Flow cytometry immunophenotyping of the bone marrow samples for the diagnosis of hematologic neoplasms
Abstract
Analysis of bone marrow samples by flow cytometry is essential for the diagnosis of hematological neoplasms. The technique provides rapid determination of the presence, lineage, and approximate stage of maturity of the pathological population by analyzing the expression of surface, cytoplasmic, and nuclear molecules.
Despite the indisputable advantages, flow cytometry has its limits, which, however, replace other techniques, especially morphological and immunohistochemical examinations. It is immunohistochemistry that shares with flow cytometry the basic principle of detection of the pathological population as well as the portfolio of investigated molecules.
Both techniques however offer different points of view on the given sample and complement each other. The combination of both procedures often provides the desired detailed picture of the presence and type of pathological population in the bone marrow.
The article provides an overview of basic procedures in the diagnosis of hematological malignancies using flow cytometry and reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of flow cytometry in relation to immunohistochemical examination.