Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Database-guided Flow-cytometry for Evaluation of Bone Marrow Myeloid Cell Maturation
Published on: November 3, 2018
Immunophenotypic differentiation patterns of normal hematopoiesis in human bone marrow: reference patterns for
E G van Lochem1, V H J van der Velden, H K Wind
1Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. e.vanlochem@erasmusmc.nl
Background:
The abundance of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and the routine use of quadruple stainings in flow cytometry allow stepwise analysis of bone marrow (BM) samples that are suspected for abnormal hematopoiesis. A screening phase that precedes lineage-specific classification phases should be sufficient to assess whether the BM has a normal or abnormal composition, as well as to identify the abnormal differentiation lineage.
Methods:
For a quick and easy flow cytometric screening of BM samples, we selected six quadruple immunostainings that cover multiple differentiation stages of the B-cell, monocytic, granulocytic, and erythroid lineages: TdT/CD20/CD19/CD10 and CD45/CD34/CD19/CD22 for B cells, CD34/CD117/CD45/CD13.33 for precursor granulocytic and precursor monocytic cells (myelo/monoblasts), CD14/CD33/CD45/CD34 for monocytic cells, CD16/CD13/CD45/CD11b for granulocytic cells, and CD71/CD235a/CD45/CD117 for erythroid cells.
Results:
The six quadruple immunostainings reveal specific staining patterns in normal BM, which allow the recognition of various subpopulations of the respective lineages. These staining patterns can be used as a frame of reference for recognition of normal and abnormal BM development. Examples of normal (age-related) variations in these otherwise stable staining patterns are presented together with several abnormal differentiation patterns.
Conclusions:
Although alternative immunostainings can be used (e.g., including NK- and T-cell markers), we feel that the selected six stainings represent a comprehensive and easy screening phase for quick identification of shifts in the composition of the studied differentiation lineages, reflecting age-related changes or disease-induced BM abnormalities.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Hematopoiesis
Developmental Phases of Hematopoiesis
Initially, HSCs are formed in the embryonic yolk sac, a critical site for early blood cell production. These stem cells subsequently migrate to other...
Hematopoiesis
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Production of Formed Elements
Most HSCs commit to...
Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

