Automated recognition of B and T lymphocytes by immunoperoxidase on the hemalog D system and its applications

A new automated immunoperoxidase assay for the recognition of B and T lymphocytes on the Hemalog system is proposed. Lymphoïd cells are incubated with peroxidase labeled antibodies, and after manual washing, cells are run through the flow system of the machine which automatically stains the cells for peroxidase and, according to their staining for this enzyme, separates positive from negative cells. Using this method we have been able to recognize B and T lymphocytes and to count them as accurately as by routine immunological methods. Very preliminary results, concerning a few cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, prolymphocytic leukemia and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia are also reported. The usefulness of this new method which allows processing of 60 samples per hour is discussed.