title: FACS analysis-a new and accurate tool in the diagnosis of lymphoma in the cerebrospinal fluid.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fluorescence activated cell scanning (FACS) is a useful tool for identifying malignant cell clones of lymphoma cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by immunological phenotype.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used FACS analysis for demonstrating it to be a quick and reliable technology that is available in most hematological laboratories. In this study, we demonstrate the clinical application of FACS analysis within a series of 15 lymphoma patients with suspected CSF involvement. CSF from three patients with another diagnosis than lymphoma serves as negative control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A malignant cell clone cannot only be identified in CSF phenotypically, but also classified according to the immunological surface profile. As this method improves the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, it should be implemented into routine diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Neurooncology Vienna/Linz and Department of Neurology, Kaiser Franz Josef Hospital, Kundratstrasse. 3, A-1100, Vienna, Austria. sabine.urbanits@kfj.magwien.gv.at
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Urbanits
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Griesmacher
authors.forename: Georg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hopfinger
authors.forename: Günther
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stockhammer
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karimi
authors.forename: Mathias M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pittermann
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Grisold
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged