Guidelines for panel design, optimization, and performance of whole blood multi-color flow cytometry of platelet surface markers

Abstract

Flow cytometry is a valuable tool in determining the phenotype and function of platelets accurately. The emergence of platelet flow cytometry in recent years provides an attractive alternative to other platelet analytical techniques, with advantages such as requiring small volumes and being highly sensitive to minimal changes in receptor function and expression.

Here we present a methodical approach encompassing the stages in the development and optimization of platelet flow cytometry panels based on our extensive experience in this area.

Keywords:

• Flow Cytometry
• Paediatrics
• Panel Design and Optimization
• Platelet

Addendum

XBC obtained data, wrote and edited the manuscript. MDL provided figures, wrote and edited the manuscript. CM, SV, HPY, PM edited the manuscript. VI oversaw the project and edited the manuscript.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Matthew Burton and Dr. Eleanor Jones from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Flow Cytometry and Imaging facility for their assistance in troubleshooting the flow cytometry assays. MDL is an ISAC IMI Scholar.

Conflicts of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.