Flow Cytometry: Principles and Clinical Applications in Hematology

TLDR

Flow cytometry use in clinical labs has expanded rapidly over the past decade, driven by smaller, affordable instruments and a growing array of applications. The report reviews flow cytometry principles and selected clinical hematology applications. Flow cytometry analyzes individual particles in single file, using light scattering to assess size and complexity and fluorescence from labeled antibodies to identify cell surface and cytoplasmic antigens. This approach enables rapid, detailed analysis of complex cell populations.

Abstract

The use of flow cytometry in the clinical laboratory has grown substantially in the past decade. This is attributable in part to the development of smaller, user-friendly, less-expensive instruments and a continuous increase in the number of clinical applications. Flow cytometry measures multiple characteristics of individual particles flowing in single file in a stream of fluid. Light scattering at different angles can distinguish differences in size and internal complexity, whereas light emitted from fluorescently labeled antibodies can identify a wide array of cell surface and cytoplasmic antigens. This approach makes flow cytometry a powerful tool for detailed analysis of complex populations in a short period of time. This report reviews the general principles in flow cytometry and selected applications of flow cytometry in the clinical hematology laboratory.