A practical approach to panel design, validation, and interpretation for the evaluation of T-cell neoplasms by flow cytometry

Abstract

The diagnosis of T-cell neoplasms remains one of the most challenging areas in hematopathology due to the immunophenotypic heterogeneity and subtle aberrancies often present in these entities. This “Best Practice” manuscript provides a practical framework for laboratories to design, validate, and interpret immunophenotyping studies of immature and mature T-cell neoplasms. We outline the utility of key antigens in the screening and classification of T-cell lymphomas/leukemia including TRBC1 and TRBC2. Analytical strategies using the “difference from normal” method and template-based gating are discussed, along with validation considerations aligned with CLSI H62 guidelines. By integrating these principles into laboratory workflows, this manuscript aims to standardize and improve the assessment of T-cell neoplasms across diverse clinical settings.