The present invention provides methods and compositions for separating cells from a sample containing erythrocytes. The method is for recovering desired cells from a sample containing the desired cells, erythrocytes and undesired cells comprising: a) contacting the sample with a composition, said composition comprising: i) an erythrocytes aggregation reagent ii) at least one antigen recognizing moiety coupled to a magnetic particle, wherein said particle with said at least one antigen recognizing moiety specifically binds to at least one antigen specific for one or more undesired cellular components; b) applying simultaneously i) gravity sedimentation for sedimentation of erythrocytes and ii) a magnetic field gradient to said sample for immobilizing said magnetic particle generating a pellet and a supernatant phase, and c) recovering the desired cells from the supernatant phase. Compositions for the use within the present method are also disclosed.