Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Requested on advice of consultant or specialist registrar in haematology. Flow cytometry is a powerful technique which allows us to look at the properties of individual cells and is most commonly used for evaluating peripheral blood, bone marrow, and other body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid and peritoneal fluid. Cells within patient samples are stained with antibodies against ‘CD markers’ on the surface, or inside the cell. These antibodies are conjugated to fluorescent tags which are detected by the flow cytometer. The pattern of CD markers can help distinguish between normal and neoplastic conditions. Our test repertoire includes over 80 antibodies, covering over 50 CD markers. We have a range of panels designed to assist in the diagnosis of B-cell neoplasms, T-cell neoplasms, acute leukaemias, plasma cell neoplasms, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and mast cell disorders.
Specimen container paediatric:
EDTA for marrow aspirate and peripheral blood and universal container for other fluids
Specimen container adult:
EDTA for marrow aspirate and peripheral blood and universal container for other fluids
- Minimum volume paediatric:
4-5 mL peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate. 0.5 mL for CSF and >1 mL for other fluids
Minimum volume adult:
4 to 5 mL peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate. 0.5 mL for CSF and >1 mL for other fluids
Special requirements:
Please complete NEHODS request form
Sample stability:
Should be analysed within 48 hours
Transport requirements:
Samples should be sent to laboratory immediately.
Freq analysis:
Daily
Add on test:
N/A
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS flow cytometry
Interpretation:
By specialist registrar or consultant haematologist
Reference ranges:
N/A
Factors affecting result:
Quality and size of sample
Referenced documents:
N/A
Other info:
Please provide a blood film and bone marrow aspirate slide as well as representative FBC.