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Published on: November 3, 2018
Leukoflow: multiparameter extended white blood cell differentiation for routine analysis by flow cytometry
Gert-Jan van de Geijn1, Vincent van Rees, Natasja van Pul-Bom
1Department of Clinical Chemistry (KCHL), Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Kleiweg, PM Rotterdam, The Netherlands. g.vandegeijn@sfg.nl
Summary
Flow cytometry offers a promising alternative to manual differential white blood cell counts (dWBC). The Leukoflow assay provides accurate cell counts and reduces inter-observer variation for blast detection.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Differential white blood cell count (dWBC) is crucial for diagnostics.
- Current methods include automated counters and labor-intensive microscopy.
- Microscopy faces challenges with inter-observer variability and limited cell counts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replace or supplement microscopic dWBC with a flow cytometric method.
- To develop a flow cytometric assay (Leukoflow) for accurate dWBC.
- To provide additional information on blasts, myeloid precursors, and lymphocyte subsets.
Main Methods:
- Developed a flow cytometric assay, Leukoflow, using a cocktail of antibodies.
- Utilized a specific gating strategy and protocol for leukocyte identification.
- Compared Leukoflow results with automated blood counts and manual microscopy.
Main Results:
- Leukoflow showed good correlation with automated counts for major leukocyte types.
- Blast counts from Leukoflow exhibited reduced inter-observer variation compared to manual dWBC.
- Leukoflow quantifies at least 13 cell populations, including T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, NK-cells, and myeloid progenitors.
Conclusions:
- Leukoflow is a promising flow cytometric technique for clinical laboratories.
- It offers accurate dWBC, reduced variability in blast counting, and additional cell subset information.
- Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical utility of the additional cell populations identified.
