The word Cytometry comes from Cyto = Cell and Metry = measurement (measurement cells). Flow Cytometry is a technology for characterizing and analyzing cells. It simultaneously measures and analyses multiple physical characteristics of single particles, usually cells, as they move in a fluid stream through a beam of light. This is accomplished by fluorescent labeling of markers on the surface of the cells. A flow cytometer can quantify a cell’s (or particle’s) relative size, granularity or internal complexity, and fluorescence intensity. The information gathered from the analysis aids in establishing the diagnosis of leukemias and lymphomas. The test is also useful in assessing patient prognosis.

Flow Cytometry is usually performed on bone marrow, blood, body fluids, or tissue.

In the case of lymphoma, a tissue sample may be collected by fine needle aspiration biopsy, and separated into single cells for analysis. A bone marrow biopsy and/or aspirate will be required for analysis of leukemia.

The patient's blood sample will be separated and the red blood cells removed. The sample will be mixed with a variety of different antibodies that can interact with markers on the surface of the cells. Different types of cells have characteristic markers on their cell surfaces, so a particular cell type can be identified by the antibodies that bind to it. The antibodies are labeled so that they will give off fluorescent light (glow) as they pass through the laser beam in the cytometer. The cytometer also measures the size of the cell and some information about the interior of the cell. The pathologist uses this information to determine the specific type of leukemia, such as myeloid or lymphocytic, which in turn, helps to determine the type of treatment that will be best suited to the patient.

Description of Test Results

<<back