SLIDE-BASED LASER-SCANNING CYTOMETRY

OBJECTIVE: To show that laser scanning cytometry (LSCM) can provide da ta equivalent to flow cytometry (FCM) data and furnish a number of ben efits, including cell relocation for visualization and several additio nal measurement features that may make it more suitable than FCM for p athology laboratories. STUDY DESIGN: A laser scanning cytometer, the L SC, was developed. Several instruments, at sites in the United States and Japan during the last two years, provided data characterizing the instrument and its usefulness. RESULTS: Data describing the sensitivit y, precision, accuracy, utility of added measurement features and cell relocation capabilities of the LSC are presented. The data illustrate the applicability of the LSC to multiparameter DNA ploidy studies, re solution of phases of the cell cycle and cytogenetics. CONCLUSION: Bec ause it is microscope based and measures cells on a slide, not in a fl ow chamber; records the position of each cell on the slide; and has hi gher resolution, LSCM provides a number of benefits that may make it m ove suitable than FCM for pathology laboratories.