Cell immunophenotyping

Last updated: Wednesday, 31, March, 2004

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Item Process
Specimen

5 mL blood or 2 mL bone marrow in lithium heparin, ACD or  EDTA.; CSF and other fluids in sterile container; lymph nodes and other tissues in sterile tissue culture medium. See Immunohistology.

Method

Cell identification using antibodies to cellular antigens (including T and B lymphoid, myeloid, platelet, natural killer, stem cell, epithelial and other non-haemopoietic cells) by flow cytometry or immunoenzymatic techniques.

Application

Assessment of aetiology of unexplained lymphocytosis;
assessment and classification of  B cell lymphoproliferative disorders;
classification of acute and chronic leukaemias;
detection of residual disease in leukaemia; and
assessment and monitoring of stem cell numbers for collection by cytapheresis for peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation.

Interpretation

The report will include identification of the cell types present, and an interpretative comment from the pathologist.

See also Lymphocyte immunophenotyping.

Reference

NCCLS. Clinical Applications of Flow Cytomety; Approved Guideline.Vol 18. NCCLS 1998.

Chanarin I, ed. Laboratory Haematology. Churchill Livingstone 1989.