[Evaluation of the performance of Spectrum III]

For 8 months we have studied the performance of the laser flow cytometry system Spectrum III (Ortho Diagnostic Systems). We have investigated problems caused by the setting and the calibration, assessment of the rhythm, the repetitiveness and the contamination, and compared the results obtained with the Spectrum III with those obtained using a fluorescence microscope. As an example of an immunopathological application, we have assessed the results obtained in the analysis of peripheral blood from 20 patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and 300 suspect AIDS patients.