flow cytometry
A laboratory technique used to analyze and sort cells based on their physical and chemical characteristics for hematologic diagnosis.
Full Definition
Flow cytometry is a powerful analytical technique that allows rapid examination of individual cells in suspension as they flow through a laser beam. In hematologic oncology, flow cytometry is essential for immunophenotyping blood and bone marrow cells, identifying specific surface markers (CD antigens) that help classify different types of leukemia and lymphoma. The technique can analyze thousands of cells per second and is crucial for diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and detecting minimal residual disease.
Usage
Usage note: Two words, not hyphenated when used as a noun; can be hyphenated when used as an adjective (flow-cytometric analysis).
In Context
- "Flow cytometry confirmed the presence of aberrant CD markers in the lymphoblast population." — Laboratory report
- "The flow cytometry panel included antibodies against CD19, CD10, and CD34." — Diagnostic protocol