Application of flow cytometry immunophenotypic analysis for the diagnosis of mature B-cell lymphomas/leukemias

Flow cytometry immunophenotyping (FCI) is an important and indispensable tool in the diagnosis of mature B-cell lymphomas/leukemias, particularly for small fine needle aspiration and needle core biopsy specimens which are becoming increasingly popular for diagnostic purposes. FCI has several advantages. Given its multiparametric nature, FCI can analyze the expression of multiple antigens simultaneously on the same cell of interest, qualitatively and quantitively. During the diagnostic process, FCI can provide time sensitive and valuable information for triage of other ancillary studies such as immunohistochemical and molecular studies. In this review, we aim to provide common and practical approaches for using FCI in the diagnostic workup of mature B-cell neoplasms. The immunophenotypic features of common mature B-cell neoplasms as well as diagnostic challenges and pitfalls associated with FCI are also discussed.