Applications of flow cytometric DNA analysis to diagnostic cytology

Flow cytometry is a rapid method for measuring DNA content. Its high sensitivity and specificity in detecting transitional cell carcinomas in bladder washings should make it a routinely applied adjunct to cytology once universal laboratory standards are firmly established. Diagnostic and prognostic information on solid tumors can be obtained at least as reliably on fine-needle aspirations as on surgically resected specimens. At the present time, the sensitivity of FCM in the evaluation of effusions, peritoneal washings, and CSF is relatively low, and although in some cases malignant cells in these specimens that are missed by conventional cytology are detected by FCM, the number of such cases is small. Investigation continues into the application of FCM to the screening of cervical specimens.