[Neutrophil function tests and oxidative stress detection as clinical examinations]

We herein introduce several clinically available methods to detect neutrophil function and oxidative stress. The flowcytometric detection of adhesive protein expression, such as CD11b(Mac-1), assessment of phagocytosis activity, and measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production are relatively easy to apply as tools for laboratory medicine. A new device to simultaneously detect superoxide and calcium ion influx is also introduced. Oxidative stress induced by ROS produced not only from phagocytic cells but also from the mitochondria or endoplamic reticulum of all kinds of living cells is etiologically related to many disorders and also aging. A simple method using the FRAS4 instrument is demonstrated. These methods are expected to be clinically beneficial, especially in hematology, transfusion medicine, and the public health field.