What does flow cytometry detect?

Flow Cytometry is a technique used to detect and measure physical and chemical characteristics of a population of cells or particles. In this process, a sample containing cells or particles is suspended in a fluid and injected into the flow cytometer instrument.

What diseases can flow cytometry detect?

The major uses of flow cytometry in malignant hematology are in the diagnosis, classification and monitoring of diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The technique is now used also to detect disease-specific populations of cells in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Why did my doctor order flow cytometry?

Flow cytometry This test is important in diagnosing CLL. It uses a machine that looks for certain substances (markers) on or in cells that help identify what types of cells they are. This test can be used to see if the lymphocytes in a sample of blood contain CLL cells.

What is the most common clinical application of flow cytometry?

immunophenotyping
The most common application performed on the cytometer is immunophenotyping. This technique identifies and quantifies populations of cells in a heterogeneous sample – usually blood, bone marrow or lymph. These cell subsets are measured by labeling population-specific proteins with a fluorescent tag on the cell surface.

How long do flow cytometry results take?

It will likely take a few days, or longer, for your healthcare provider to receive the results of your test. If you’ve had a blood test, there won’t need to be any changes in your routine. After a bone marrow test, you’ll need to avoid getting the bandage or test site wet for 24 hours.

How are flow cytometry results reported?

The official flow cytometry laboratory report is most commonly an individual-lab-generated, paper report form. A discussion of the potential benefits that might result from the development of improved computerized reporting software and from the increased use of antibody-defined, lineage gating is offered.

How to interpret flow cytometry?

Flow cytometry is a laboratory method used to detect, identify, and count specific cells. This method can also identify particular components within cells. This information is based on physical characteristics and/or markers called antigens on the cell surface or within cells that are unique to that cell type.

What do the results of my flow cytometry mean?

What Do the Results Mean? Flow cytometry can provide information that is used to diagnose, stage and monitor blood cancers. It can also be used to test for minimal residual disease (MRD), the number of cancer cells remaining in the body after treatment.

What types of samples can be used for flow cytometry?

The most straightforward samples for flow cytometry include non-adherent cells from culture, waterborne microorganisms, bacteria, and yeast. Even whole blood is easy to use – red cells are usually removed by a simple lysis step.

How does a flow cytometer work?

Flow cytometry is a popular cell biology technique that utilizes laser-based technology to count, sort, and profile cells in a heterogeneous fluid mixture. Using a flow cytometer machine, cells or other particles suspended in a liquid stream are passed through a laser light beam in single file fashion,…