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Abstract
In recent years, flow cytometry has become an important adjunct to light microscopy in the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma. Flow cytometric techniques are useful in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions and in determining the lineage and stage of differentiation of a neoplastic infiltrate. Certain immunophenotypic antigen profiles are characteristic of specific neoplasms, whereas other profiles are useful as prognostic indicators of outcome. In this review, we present details of the flow cytometric analyses that we perform on suspected lymphoid malignancies, including methods of gating, criteria that we have found useful in distinguishing benign from malignant processes, details of antibody panel selection for two color studies, and common pitfalls in the use of flow cytometry in the clinical laboratory. Highlights of new areas of investigation in the study of malignant lymphomas are presented. By utilizing flow cytometric techniques, these recent scientific advances can be rapidly integrated into routine patient care. As with any specialized diagnostic technique, flow cytometric data must always be integrated with the morphologic and clinical features of each case. (The J Histotechno 1 15:219-227, 1992)