Flow cytometry: The standard for monitoring the onset of apheresis and forthe evaluation of stem and progenitor cell graft quality

Several high-quality protocols exist that describe the methodological and t echnical aspects of the flow cytometric analyses of stem and progenitor cel ls. In addition, recent advances in automation and quantitative analyses sh ow promising results. For further improvement of the test quality and more objective control, internal as well as external quality control is mandator y. In addition. cost aspects move into the focus of interest and have to be considered. Alternative methods such as volumetric capillary cytometry or haematological analyzers are of limited use for stem and progenitor cell an alyses. Currently, flow cytometry represents the gold standard for monitori ng the onset of apheresis and to evaluate the quality of stem and progenito r cell grafts. In the near future, only in vitro diagnostics that are CE-la belled or FDA-approved should be used for these analyses.