Vortex disaggregation for flow cytometry allows direct histologic correlation: a novel approach for small biopsies...

Area of Science:

• Hematopathology
• Cell Biology
• Biopsy Analysis

Background:

• Traditional cell dissociation methods for flow cytometry disrupt tissue architecture, precluding subsequent histological examination.
• This limitation is particularly critical for small specimens where correlating flow cytometry and histology is vital for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel cell dissociation technique that preserves tissue integrity for concurrent histological analysis.
• To assess the diagnostic concordance between flow cytometry and histology using this new method.

Main Methods:

• Fresh tissue biopsies (lymph node, GI, skin, soft tissue) and bone marrow cores were disaggregated using brief vortexing.
• Specimens were analyzed by flow cytometry, and results were compared with histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Main Results:

• The vortexing method yielded adequate and diagnostically concordant results in 92.3% of 104 specimens.
• Discordance in 7.7% of cases was primarily due to specimen fibrosis or necrosis.
• High success rates were observed for lymph nodes (95.8%), GI biopsies (90.9%), and bone marrow cores (89.5%).

Conclusions:

• Vortex disaggregation is an effective method for preparing cell suspensions for flow cytometry while maintaining tissue for histology.
• This technique is particularly advantageous for small biopsies and inaspirable bone marrows, where tissue preservation is critical.