Flow Cytometry
Flow Cytometry is the science of cell analysis that is performed by placing cells in a liquid suspension and allowing them to pass through a laser-produced beam of light.
Cells possess many molecules (antigens) that are found on the cell surface, cytoplasm and nucleus. To detect these antigens, the cells are treated with monoclonal antibodies that are labeled with a fluorochrome (fluorescent dye), then the cells are washed and placed in a liquid suspension and analyzed by the flow cytometer.
Interpretation and clinical analysis of the data generated by Flow Cytometry is performed by an experienced Hematopathologist.
The applications of Flow Cytometry are many in the clinical settings and research.
Some of the clinical uses of Flow Cytometry include:
- Diagnosis of Leukemia and Lymphoma
- Measurment of stem cell count in bone marrow transplantation
- Monitoring of HIV-infected patients (CD4 and CD8 counts)
- Diagnosis of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
- Diagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiencies
- HLA typing
- Evaluation of DNA content in Molar Pregnancies