Why would a doctor order a flow cytometry?

Understanding Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry is a sophisticated technology used by doctors to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of particles in a fluid as it passes through at least one laser. Cell components are fluorescently labeled and then excited by the laser to emit light at varying wavelengths. The intensity of this light is measured to provide detailed information about the physical and chemical structure of each cell.

Reasons a Doctor Might Order Flow Cytometry

• Diagnosis of Blood Cancers: Flow cytometry is crucial in diagnosing and classifying blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, by analyzing the properties of cells in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
• Immunodeficiency Disorders: It helps in diagnosing disorders where the immune system is not functioning properly, by analyzing the types and quantities of immune cells in the body.
• Organ Transplantation: To match organ and tissue transplants with recipients, ensuring compatibility and reducing the risk of rejection.
• Chronic Infections: To understand the immune response in chronic infections by analyzing how immune cells are affected over time.
• Research Purposes: Beyond clinical diagnosis, flow cytometry is also used in research to study various diseases, understand cell functions, and develop new treatments.

How Flow Cytometry Works

Flow cytometry involves the use of fluorescent markers that bind to specific cell components. As cells flow in a fluid stream through a laser beam, the fluorescent markers are excited and emit light at different wavelengths. This light is then detected, allowing for the analysis of various properties of the cells, including size, granularity, and the presence of specific markers on the cell surface. This information is crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment efficacy, and conducting research.