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[Report of initial experiences in establishing a regional multicenter evaluation of lymphocyte typing with flow
1Serodiagnostische Station der Dermatologischen Abteilung des Krankenhauses der Stadt Wien-Lainz.
Insights
Multicenter flow cytometry evaluations offer external quality control for lymphocyte subset analysis. While initial results showed variability, improvements in outcomes and collaboration were observed, enhancing user contact and problem-solving.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Clinical Laboratory Science
Background:
- External quality control is essential for flow cytometry.
- Multicenter evaluations are crucial for standardizing laboratory practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and outcomes of a multicenter flow cytometry evaluation program.
- To establish standardized immune status measurements using a recommended antibody panel.
Main Methods:
- Nine laboratories participated, analyzing fresh EDTA blood samples.
- Standardized antibody panels and three different flow cytometer types were used.
- Results were reported as lymphocyte subset percentages and absolute values, with coefficient of variation used for interpretation.
Main Results:
- Variability in coefficients of variation was observed across different lymphocyte subpopulations.
- CD3, CD4, and CD8 positive lymphocyte percentages showed low coefficients of variation (<10%).
- Activated T-lymphocytes, cytotoxic T-cells, and absolute values exhibited higher coefficients of variation.
Conclusions:
- Multicenter evaluations improve laboratory outcomes and foster collaboration.
- Standardization efforts in flow cytometry are ongoing and show positive trends.
- Further refinement is needed to reduce variability in certain lymphocyte subset measurements.
Abstract:
Participation in a multicenter evaluation of flowcytometric investigations is the only possibility of providing external quality control. Up to now nine different laboratories have taken part in this program, measuring two samples of fresh EDTA blood according to a recommended antibody panel. The choice of antibodies was intended to reach a standardized immune status. Three different types of flowcytometers were used. All results were expressed in lymphocyte subset percentages and in absolute values. The coefficient of variation of each lymphocyte subpopulation was used for interpretation of the results of all working groups, as well as the control measurement. The results of the control measurement already showed that there was a difference between the obtainable coefficient of variation for the different subpopulations. In the case of CD3, CD4 and CD8 positive lymphocytes the relative percentages of the total group gave values far below 10%. The coefficients of variation of the activated T-lymphocytes or the cytotoxic T-cells, as well as of the absolute values were definitely higher. Already after the second multicenter evaluation the achieved results showed positive aspects such as improvements of the outcome, advancement of the user contacts, cooperation and impulses by discussing interesting problems.