Clinical applications of flow cytometry in hematology and immunology.
OBJECTIVE
To review the major applications of flow cytometry in the diagnosis of hematologic and immunologic disease.


METHODS
Professional literature and authors' experience.


RESULTS
Flow cytometry is evolving as a major diagnostic tool for evaluating hematologic disease, monitoring HIV infection and assessing peripheral blood and bone marrow for CD34 positive stem cells in marrow transplantation. This review highlights the opportunities and pitfalls of this area of diagnostic laboratory medicine.


CONCLUSIONS
The applications of flow cytometers in diagnostic hematology and immunology are expanding, providing new opportunities for enhanced precision in diagnosis. As in any relatively new field much work remains in order to optimize accuracy and efficiency while minimizing cost.
McCurley
T L
TL
Immunopathology Laboratory, Vanderbilt University Hospital, Nashville TN 37232, USA.
Larson
R
R
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D015203:Reproducibility of Results