Assays Performed by Flow Cytometry

Flow Cytometry

NOTICE:

The University of Washington Hematopathology laboratory is currently receiving requests for flow cytometry testing that exceed our capacity. We anticipate that turnaround times will be delayed in a subset of MRD flow cytometry cases, and we will no longer be able to regularly provide STAT call backs for MRD flow cases. Additionally, UW Hematopathology is unable to accept flow cytometry reference testing from new clients and will be limiting service to a subset of current clients.

Flow cytometry allows rapid identification and quantification of subpopulations of cells in suspension through assessment of physical properties and antigen expression. Suitable specimens include fresh blood, bone marrow, body fluids, or tissue samples. (See specimen handling requirements.) Samples are incubated with flourescently-tagged antibodies directed against specific cell surface proteins. The antibodies used are generally tailored to specimen type, clinical history and suspected diagnosis. Our current clinical instruments are capable of simultaneously examining up to 10 different antigens, providing a very high level of sensitivity and allowing identification of abnormal populations at diagnosis as well as the identification of small abnormal populations in the post-therapy setting (minimal residual disease testing).

Hematopoietic disorders

Leukemia/Lymphoma Panel

• Order Flow Cytometry Panel Order [FLOW] for UW Medicine providers and patients or Flow Cytometry (Surface Marker Profile) for reference laboratory testing.
• All hematopoietic neoplasms including classical Hodgkin lymphoma
• Minimal residual disease detection
• T cell clonality assessment

Hematopathologic Diagnostic Pathway

• Reflexive testing pathways provide comprehensive and cost-effective evaluation for hematopoietic disorders. Hematopathologic Diagnostic Pathway [EVALHD] (only available within UW Medicine and FHCC patients) typically includes flow cytometry and often includes morphology, cytogenetic and molecular studies. The Pathways, Evaluate for Hematopoeitic Disorder test order is an algorithm of diagnostic tests to be performed based on the clinical indications. It attempts to streamline testing, minimize unnecessary testing and maximize optimal use of limited sample materials, and was developed in conjunction with our clinicians here at UW/FHCC.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

PNH by Flow Cytometry [PNHFLO]

Lymphocyte Enumeration (BAL or CSF)

• T Cell Subsets, CSF [CSFTCS] - CD4, CD8 for CSFs only
• T Cell Subsets, BAL [BALTCS] - CD4, CD8 for BALs only

Lymphocyte Subset Enumeration (Blood Only)

• T cell subsets CD4/CD8 only, counts [TCS48] - CD4, CD8
• T cell subsets CD3/CD4/CD8, counts [TCSA] - CD4, CD8, CD3
• Lymphocyte subsets, T and B cell counts [TCSP] - CD4, CD8, CD3, CD19
• Lymphocyte subsets, T, B, NK cell counts [TCSNK] - CD4, CD8, CD3, CD19, CD56
• CD19+ B Cell Count [BCS19] - CD19 only

Cell sorting for chimerism

For questions regarding Flow Cytometry services: Ph: 206.606.7060 Fax: 206.606.7127.