Cell surface and intracellular marker analysis as a laboratory test for the diagnosis of hematological disorders

Immunophenotyping of hematopoietic malignancies is representative application of cell (surface) marker analysis by flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies in the clinical laboratory. The multitude of available monoclonal antibodies demands a standardization of the selection and combination of antibodies. Therefore, some international committee or working group proposed the panels or guidelines for the selection of antibodies. Intracellular antigens are of major importance for immunophenotyping of hematological malignancies, and flow cytometric detection of intracellular antigens was improved by the development of new permeabilization/fixation solutions. Recently new gating method was recommended for better isolating the target cells in the flow cytometric analysis. Finally CD55 and CD59 assay for the diagnosis of PNH was mentioned.