Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometers were developed in the early 1960s and used initially by research immunologists to sort and analyse cell subpopulations. The system analyses cells as they move in a liquid stream, through a laser beam, over an electronic sensing area. The light-scattering properties of the individual cells allow the identification of different cell types within a mixed population.
Recent advances in technology, including the use of monoclonal antibodies, fluorescent dyes and powerful but cheap computers, mean that flow cytometry is now a routine part of clinical practice for haematologists and immunologists. The identification of cell subsets, leukaemia and various lymphomas is now commonplace. Cell cycle analysis and the measurement of DNA aberrations is now clinically feasible. The greater sensitivity of the new generations of bench-top flow cytometers has enabled the identification of bacteria from various sources, including water, sewage and body fluids and this has resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of these machines in microbiology.
The editor has spent several years establishing the appropriate techniques for evaluating the ex vivo expression of antigens on leukocytes and has assembled a distinguished team of international contributors who provide practical advice on the application, scope and limitations of flow cytometry. This book will be of use to research workers, to clinical laboratory scientists and to clinicians who require an introduction and authoritative reference to flow cytometry, with an emphasis on clinical application.
The distinguished team of contributors includes Richard Camplejohn, Leon Terstappen, Scott Cram and Terry Hoy, who have been at the forefront of flow cytometry development.