[The flow cytometric analysis of hemopoietic cell proliferation. The methodological questions]

Studies of hemopoietic cell (myelokaryocyte) cycle and adequacy of applying flow DNA-cytometry for such analysis are discussed. Heterogeneity of the bone marrow, possibility of diluting a blood sample during puncture, reproducibility and stability of parameters, reliability of computer analysis of histograms demonstrating cell distribution, and correspondence of cell distribution by the cell cycle stages to the level of proliferative activity are the factors which may cause difficulties in the course of studies and while interpreting the results. Probable effects of these factors on the final results and efficacy of the method in clinical laboratory diagnosis are discussed.