FLOW-CYTOMETRY IN DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY

Flow cytometry (FCM) is a useful adjunct to cytologic examination, bec ause the quantitative biochemical information it provides complements the morphologic information gained during visual examination. Tt aids in the interpretation of bladder washings, and is particularly useful for the assessment of lymphoid lesions, whether they originate from fi ne-needle aspiration cerebrospinal fluid, or effusions. Optimal use of FCM frequently requires assessment of more than one parameter; simult aneous use of cell differentiation markers and nuclear DNA quantitatio n is often significantly more useful than either alone. Despite the ut ility of FCM, however, the potential for future development appears to be limited Improvements in image cytometry allow reasonable assessmen t of ploidy and S-fraction to be made from specimens prepared on glass slides. Multiparameter measurements may also be accomplished with ima ging techniques, which allow the further advantage of visual identific ation of cells with equivocal morphologic changes. The development of artificial intelligence methods for use with imaging technology has al so significantly exceeded that of FCM. Finally, image cytometry is oft en mole useful for samples with few cells. Other challenges are posed by immunocytochemical methods which compete with flow cytometry as too ls for assessment of proliferation. Given the relatively high cost of FCM instrumentation, survival of FCM as an ancillary technique in cyto pathology will require further technical refinements to offset the adv antages currently associated with image cytometry and immunocytochemis try. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.