Flow cytometric analysis of hematologic neoplasia

Flow cytometry (FCM) is a powerful technology that allows the rapid analysis of cellular components such as surface and intracellular antigens, or DNA content. The measurements are fast and are based on optical signals emitted by cells labeled with fluorochromes as they flow suspended in a liquid medium through an intense laser beam. The signals include scattered light, which provides information on cell size and granularity, and fluorescence derived from dyes or fluorochrome-labeled antibodies bound to specific cell components.