Application of flow cytometry in diagnosing lymphomas in dogs and cats

Classification of types of lymphomas is done by interpreting cell morphology results obtained in cytological and/or histological examinations. In recent years, additional methods like immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunophenotyping by flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for antigen receptor rearrangements (PARR), have been used to diagnose and classify lymphomas. Unfortunately, none of these methods is completely specific and sensitive. Thus, a combination of several diagnostic methods or use of all available techniques allows for evaluation of morphological properties of cells like their maturity and diversification. Owing to the use of sets of antibodies it is possible to identify the phenotype of hyperplastic cells as well as their origin. Combination of results obtained through phenotypical analysis with flow cytometry examination with morphological, histological and genetic testing enables a detailed analysis of, in this case, lymphoproliferative diseases including reaction changes, primary and secondary immunological deficits as well as autoimmune diseases.