The successful separation of specific cells requires not only a knowledge of potential methods, but also detailed protocols that are known to work well in practice. This book is unique in that it brings together the best methods currently used for separating cells. For each approach, the authors provide clear explanations of the theoretical basis of the procedures as well as practical details of the technique. The first chapter describes the isolation of single cell suspensions from animal tissues and from adherent cell culture. It includes the use of lavages, problems of extracellular matrix, methods of assessing cell viability, and the separation of viable from non-viable cells. The following seven chapters discuss specific methods for the separation of cells and the fractionation of cell populations. Sedimentation methods, centrifugal elutriation, partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems, flow cytometry, as well as numerous other procedures are discusses as well.