[Flow cytometric measurement of cell surface and intracellular antigens present in leukemia cells]

Recent advances in flow cytometric technology has enabled us to perform multiparameter analysis of cell surface and intracellular antigens. The clinical application of such analyses requires to establish the procedures of sample preparation, fixation, staining, instrument calibration and data analysis. This article describes the basic elements involved in establishing such procedures and explores the use of multiparameter flow cytometric analysis in the characterization of human leukemia cells. Flow cytometric measurements of cell surface and intracellular antigens of leukemia cells can provide important insights into the biologic features of these cells as well as significant diagnostic information.