Cell immunotyping

5-10 mL blood or 1-2 mL bone marrow aspirate in lithium heparin or ACD tube; CSF and other fluids in sterile container; lymph nodes and other tissues in sterile tissue culture medium. See Immunohistochemistry.

Cell identification using antibodies to cellular antigens (including T and B lymphoid, myeloid, platelet, natural killer, stem cell, epithelial and other non-haemopoietic cells) by flow cytometry or immunoenzymatic techniques.

Assessment of lineage and clonality of B cell Lymphoproliferative disorders;
classification of acute and chronic leukaemias (Acute leukaemia, Chronic leukaemia);
occasionally useful to detect residual disease in leukaemia;
identification of undifferentiated tumours;
investigation of aetiology of unexplained lymphocytosis;
detection of metastatic disease in bone marrow or other tissues; and
assessment and monitoring of stem cell numbers for collection by cytapheresis for peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation.

The report will include identification of the cell types present, and an interpretative comment from the pathologist.

See also Lymphocyte immunophenotyping.