Peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Our research-ready immune cells are powerful tools across multiple research areas.

What are peripheral blood mononuclear cells?

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are blood‑derived immune cells with a single, round nucleus. They play a key role in both innate and adaptive immunity and support a broad range of scientific and clinical research, including:

  • Immune system behaviour
  • Stem cell and cancer biology
  • Pain and inflammation research
  • Disease mechanisms and pathophysiology
  • Vaccine development and immunogenicity
Image of 3 PBMC cells showing single nucleui

NCI's PMBC service

NCI's purified PBMC service enhances the value of every donation by using residual donated materials with donor consent, to support: 

  • Research and development
  • Non‑identifiable genetic analysis
  • Laboratory stability and quality‑assurance programmes
  • Biochemical assay and reagent development
  • Education and training initiatives

PBMC products 

We offer fresh and frozen PBMCs in a range of concentrations:

  • NC61    fresh leukocyte cone standard cell count (≥5X10^8)
  • NC62    frozen leukocyte cone standard cell count (≥5X10^8)
  • NC63    frozen leukocyte cone high cell count (≥8X10^8)
  • NC64    leukocyte cone frozen/vial (5X10^7)
  • NC65    leukocyte cone frozen/vial (2.5X10^7)
  • NC66    leukocyte cone frozen/vial  (1.0X10^7)
  • NC67    frozen buffy coat standard cell count (≥5X10^8)
  • NC68    fresh buffy coat standard cell count  (≥5X10^8)
  • NC70    frozen buffy coat high cell count  (≥8X10^8)
  • NC71    buffy coat frozen/vial (5X10^7)
  • NC72    buffy coat frozen/vial  (2.5X10^7)
  • NC73    buffy coat frozen/vial (1.0X10^7)


PBMC laboratories

Our experienced scientists follow a predetermined, standardised specification for cell count, and viability in a laboratory which operates under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Frozen PBMC banking activities are supported by Human Tissue Authority (HTA) licensing at our Filton site.  

The laboratories are Research and Development, non-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facilities.

Why choose NCI PBMCs?

NCI’s technical knowledge and expertise to isolate PBMCs to a predetermined product quality, which is easily available through NHSBT’s existing operational infrastructure, supports quick and reliable turnaround for customer requests while reducing customer expense, laboratory time and resources required.  

How to request PBMCs

To request pricing or apply for an approved account, please email nciadmin@nhsbt.nhs.uk. NHSBT operates under Commercial In Confidence (CIC) principles, however, we can consider confidentiality agreements for bespoke or new supply chains. 

Page last updated: 26 May 2026