Flow cytometry applications in detection and classification of leukemia/lymphoma

The increase in availability of monoclonal antibodies that specifically react with surface markers on human leukocyte subsets and introduction of more user-friendly clinical flow cytometers have resulted in an evolution of flow cytometry away from a strictly research entity into an important tool in the clinical laboratory. The specific and sensitive detection of leukemia and its differentiation from benign lymphoproliferations is one area in which flow cytometry can substantially impact patient care. The application of immunophenotyping of leukemia/lymphoma using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry and the basic science of its instrumentation are presented. Case reviews illustrate the utility of immunophenotyping in making the correct lineage assignment and diagnosis.