The application of flow cytometry to histocompatibility testing

Flow cytometry is a powerful technique that enables the sensitive and quant itative detection of both cellular antigens and bound biological moieties. This article reviews how flow cytometry is increasingly being used as histo compatibility laboratories for the analysis of antibody specificity and HLA antigen expression. A basic description of flow cytometry principles and s tandardisation is given, together with an outline of clinical application i n the areas of pre-transplant cross-matching, antibody screening, post-tran splant antibody monitoring and HLA-B27 detection. It is concluded that flow cytometry is a useful multi-parametric analytical tool, yielding clinical benefit especially in the identification of patients at risk of early trans plant rejection. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.