Provided herein are kits for processing stem cells from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, comprising: a) a precipitation reagent comprising an aqueous solution of 0.1-30% hydroxyethyl starch or 0.1-30% methyl cellulose, and 0.1-20% of cerebroprotein hydrolysate; and b) a separation reagent comprising an aqueous solution comprising Ficoll and diatrizoate and having a density of 1.0-1.2 g/ml, and methods of use. Further provided herein is a collection of stem cells obtained by the kits and methods disclosed herein comprising stem cells from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, and uses thereof.