Automation of the reticulocyte count by means of flow cytometry has considerably improved the quality of this investigation. This article deals firstly with the reasons for the poor performance of the microscopic technique and with the physiological principles underlying identification and classification of reticulocytes using RNA labeling. It then outlines the automated methods currently on the market, which can be classified in three categories: a) general-purpose cytofluorometers, which in clinical laboratories usually deal with lymphocyte immunophenotyping; b) the only commercially available cytofluorometer dedicated to the reticulocyte count; this automat has the advantage of requiring no human intervention as it merely needs to be fed with samples; c) hematology analyzers with specific modules for automatic counting of reticulocytes previously incubated with a non-fluorescent dye. Of the various fluorescent markers available, thiazole orange, DEQTC iodide and auramine are most often used for this basic hematology test. The quality of the count, the availability of new reticulocyte indices (maturation index, percentage of young reticulocytes) and the rapidity of the count give this test renewed value in the practical approach to the diagnosis of anemia, and also open new perspectives in the surveillance of aplastic anemia after chemotherapy or bone marrow grafting. 相似文献
Second primary carcinomas of the lung are well described. However, their occurrence following initial diagnosis of small cell lung carcinoma is rare. The development and antemortem diagnosis of metachronous second primary bronchogenic carcinomas in two long-term (more than four years) survivors of small cell lung cancer is described. The histologic types of the second carcinomas were mucoepidermoid and bronchoalveolar. On the basis of a review of the literature, only eight similar cases have been reported; none of the second primaries was mucoepidermoid or bronchoalveolar. The question of whether second primaries after small cell lung cancer represent true metachronous carcinomas, different degrees of differentiation of the same tumor, or the emergence of a previously unrecognized synchronous tumor is discussed. The need for awareness of this complication and the necessity for life-long follow-up in long-term survivors of small cell lung cancer is emphasized. 相似文献
Inherited or acquired disorders of platelet production and function can result in thrombocytopenia and bleeding. Mouse models have proven useful for investigating the mechanisms that underlie these defects in humans. Precise methods for blood withdrawal, platelet isolation and measurement of platelet parameters are key for the generation of reproducible and conclusive data.
Here, we provide three different protocols for mouse platelet isolation to encourage research knowledge transfer between experienced laboratories, while at the same time enabling less experienced researchers to implement a protocol that best suits their local expertise and equipment. We also address the issue that reported mouse platelet count and size vary considerably in the literature by investigating different factors that influence these important platelet parameters, namely: 1) genetic background and gender, 2) choice of analysis method (hematological analyzer or flow cytometry), 3) dilution of the blood sample and 4) choice of anticoagulant. The herein presented results and considerations may serve as a practical guide for both experienced and new researchers in the platelet field. 相似文献