Simultaneous analysis of cell surface antigens and cell morphology using monoclonal antibodies conjugated to...

A new method for simultaneous analysis of cell surface antigens and cell morphology using monoclonal antibodies conjugated to fluorescent microspheres ('immunospheres') is described. Wright's staining was performed on cells after reaction with immunospheres, and a direct correlation of cell surface antigen expression and cell morphology was made. Mild formalin fixation of cells inhibited phagocytosis of microspheres, which is a potential source of confusion in the analysis of cell surface binding. Rapid, accurate analysis of cell surface antigen expression in single cell suspensions of heterogeneous human hematopoietic and lymphoid cell populations was facilitated by this method.