Flow Cytometry: Basic Principles, Procedure and Applications in Pathology

Abstract

This chapter covers the principle of flow cytometry (FCM), the techniques and clinical applications of it. FCM provides us very quick assessment of cell surface antigens, DNA content and intracellular proteins. The instrument is now used not only for research but also for routine clinical activities. Both histology and cytology samples can be processed for FCM. However cytology samples are easy to process due to less effort for disaggregation. The chapter describes the positive and negative control of FCM, steps of sample preparation, acquisition and data interpretation. The sub-classification of lymphomas and other diagnostic use of FCM in exfoliative cytology also have been discussed. FCM is one of the important technologies to detect the apoptotic cell death. Quantitation of the apoptotic cell is possible with the help of light scatter (a loss in forward light scatter), plasma membrane changes and DNA content (a sub-diploid peak). The steps of FCM for the detection of apoptosis are also described here.