Automated cell count in flow cytometry: a valuable tool to assess CD4 absolute levels in peripheral blood

Am J Clin Pathol. 1998 Sep;110(3):321-6. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/110.3.321.

Abstract

The enumeration of lymphocyte subsets in absolute counts has long relied on different methods applied separately to whole blood cell count, lymphocyte differential appreciation, and flow cytometric evaluation of lymphocyte subsets percentages. The development of multicolor labeling methods inflow cytometry now allows a more homogeneous appreciation of several cell subsets among gated lymphocytes. The use of internal calibrators, such as microbead suspensions, also permits a direct appreciation of subsets in absolute counts in a single-platform method. These methods were compared with a traditional multiplatform method of assessing absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets in a pilot study in which all manipulations were performed by 1 person and in a full-scale larger study performed in the normal working conditions of a hospital laboratory. Microspheres seem to be a reliable tool to perform absolute count enumeration inflow cytometry, but several precautions in the sample preparation and flow cytometric analysis are required.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Automation
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count / instrumentation
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count / methods*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Flow Cytometry / instrumentation
  • Flow Cytometry / methods*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Subsets
  • Microspheres
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal