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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
High-Dimensionality Flow Cytometry for Immune Function Analysis of Dissected Implant Tissues
Published on: September 15, 2021
The application of flow cytometry to histocompatibility testing
T Horsburgh1, S Martin, A J Robson
1Department of Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, UK.
Insights
Flow cytometry offers sensitive detection of cellular antigens and antibodies. This technique is valuable in histocompatibility labs for transplant readiness, especially in identifying patients at risk of early transplant rejection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Flow cytometry is a sensitive, quantitative method for detecting cellular antigens and biological molecules.
- Histocompatibility laboratories are increasingly adopting flow cytometry for critical analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles and clinical applications of flow cytometry in histocompatibility testing.
- To highlight its role in antibody specificity and HLA antigen expression analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of flow cytometry principles and standardization.
- Outline of clinical applications including pre-transplant cross-matching, antibody screening, and post-transplant monitoring.
- Specific focus on HLA-B27 detection.
Main Results:
- Flow cytometry provides a multi-parametric analytical approach.
- It enables sensitive and quantitative detection of cellular antigens and bound moieties.
- Clinical applications demonstrate its utility in various transplant-related scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytometry is a valuable tool in histocompatibility laboratories.
- It offers significant clinical benefit, particularly in identifying patients at risk of early transplant rejection.
- Its multi-parametric nature enhances diagnostic capabilities.
Abstract:
Flow cytometry is a powerful technique that enables the sensitive and quantitative detection of both cellular antigens and bound biological moieties. This article reviews how flow cytometry is increasingly being used as histocompatibility laboratories for the analysis of antibody specificity and HLA antigen expression. A basic description of flow cytometry principles and standardisation is given, together with an outline of clinical application in the areas of pre-transplant cross-matching, antibody screening, post-transplant antibody monitoring and HLA-B27 detection. It is concluded that flow cytometry is a useful multi-parametric analytical tool, yielding clinical benefit especially in the identification of patients at risk of early transplant rejection.
