The invention provides improved methods for preparing hematopoietic cells for transplantation and the resulting improved hematopoietic cell compositions. The invention further relates to improved culture media and methods of culturing, processing, modulating, and expanding blood cell products for hematopoietic transplantation. The invention relates generally to improved culture media for manipulating cell populations, particularly populations of cells comprising hematopoietic stem cells, compositions thereof, and methods of using such media and compositions.