Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
Automation of the Micronucleus Assay Using Imaging Flow Cytometry and Artificial Intelligence
Published on: January 27, 2023
Flow cytometry shows added value in diagnosing lymphoma in brain biopsies
Matthijs van der Meulen1, Jacoline E C Bromberg1, King H Lam2
1Department of Neuro-Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Brain Tumor Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Insights
Flow cytometry offers high specificity for diagnosing brain lymphomas faster than immunohistochemistry. However, due to its sensitivity limitations, both methods should be used concurrently for accurate lymphoma diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Clinical suspicion of lymphoma in brain tumors necessitates accurate and timely diagnosis.
- Histology plus immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the current standard for lymphoma diagnosis.
- Flow cytometry (FC) offers a potential alternative or adjunct diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of flow cytometry (FC) compared to histology plus IHC.
- To assess sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time of FC for brain tumor lymphoma diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of brain biopsies analyzed by both IHC and FC between 2010-2015.
- IHC was considered the gold standard for diagnosis.
- Comparison of diagnostic concordance, sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround times.
Main Results:
- Out of 77 biopsies (71 patients), 49 were diagnosed as lymphoma by IHC.
- FC showed high concordance (92.2%) with IHC.
- FC demonstrated 100% specificity and 87.8% sensitivity, with a significantly shorter turnaround time (median 1 day vs. 5 days).
Conclusions:
- FC is a highly specific and rapid method for diagnosing brain lymphomas.
- FC's sensitivity is lower than 100%, necessitating parallel IHC testing.
- Combined FC and IHC approaches ensure accurate and timely lymphoma diagnosis, enabling prompt treatment initiation.
Background:
To assess the sensitivity, specificity and turnaround time of flow cytometric analysis on brain biopsies compared to histology plus immunohistochemistry analysis in tumors with clinical suspicion of lymphoma.
Methods:
All brain biopsies performed between 2010 and 2015 at our institution and analyzed by both immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were included in this retrospective study. Immunohistochemistry was considered the gold standard.
Results:
In a total of 77 biopsies from 71 patients, 49 lymphomas were diagnosed by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry results were concordant in 71 biopsies (92.2%). We found a specificity and sensitivity of flow cytometry of 100% and 87.8%, respectively. The time between the biopsy and reporting the result (turnaround time) was significantly shorter for flow cytometry, compared to immunohistochemistry (median: 1 vs. 5 days).
Conclusions:
Flow cytometry has a high specificity and can confirm the diagnosis of a lymphoma significantly faster than immunohistochemistry. This allows for rapid initiation of treatment in this highly aggressive tumor. However, since its sensitivity is less than 100%, we recommend to perform histology plus immunohistochemistry in parallel to flow cytometry. © 2018 The Authors. Cytometry Part B: Clinical Cytometry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Clinical Cytometry Society.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Flow Cytometry
In...
01:24Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and...
02:39Gene Flow
01:17Flow Sheet
Here's a closer look at the examples of flowsheets commonly used by nurses:
Graphic Sheet Documentation:
01:12Flow Table Test
Concrete is placed within a truncated cone mold that is 8 inches high with an 8-inch base diameter and a 5-inch top diameter. The...
01:28Irrotational Flow