CONSENSUS PROTOCOL FOR THE FLOW CYTOMETRIC IMMUNOPHENOTYPING OF HEMATOPOIETIC MALIGNANCIES

Flow cytometry has become the preferred method for the lineage assignm ent and maturational analysis of malignant cells in acute leukemias an d lymphomas. Multiparametric immunophenotyping allows the detection of aberrant antigen coexpression and the analysis of heterogeneity and c lonality of malignant cells in leukemias and lymphomas. The complexity of multiparameter analysis techniques and the multitude of available monoclonal antibodies demand a standardization of protocols for the us e of flow cytometry in clincal laboratories in order to achieve interl aboratory reproducibility. Therefore, the Working Group on Flow Cytome try and Image Analysis has started an initiative in order to establish a consensus protocol on the current methods of the phenotyping of hem atological neoplasias as a basis for quality assurance and support for upcoming technologies such as quantitative analysis of antigen densit ies and automated knowledge-based analysis software. In addition to ge neral recommendations on assay procedures and quality control specific recommendations are given for the selection of two-color reagent pane ls and data interpretation in an attempt to define a basis for cross-e valuation against the different currently established laboratory proto cols.