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Flow Cytometry: Basic Principles, Procedure, and Applications in Pathology

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Basic and Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Histopathology and Cytology

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Abstract

This chapter covers the principle of flow cytometry (FCM), its techniques, and its clinical applications of it. FCM provides us with a very quick assessment of cell surface antigens, DNA content, and intracellular proteins. The instrument is now used not only for research but also for routine clinical activities. Both histology and cytology samples can be processed for FCM. However, cytology samples are easy to process due to less effort for disaggregation. The chapter describes the positive and negative control of FCM, steps of sample preparation, acquisition, and data interpretation. The sub-classification of lymphomas and other diagnostic use of FCM in exfoliative cytology also have been discussed. FCM is one of the important technologies to detect apoptotic cell death. Quantitation of the apoptotic cell is possible with the help of light scatter (a loss in forwarding light scatter), plasma membrane changes, and DNA content (a sub diploid peak). The steps of FCM for the detection of apoptosis are also described here.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cytology and Gynecologic Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

    Pranab Dey

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  1. Pranab Dey
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Dey, P. (2022). Flow Cytometry: Basic Principles, Procedure, and Applications in Pathology. In: Basic and Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Histopathology and Cytology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6616-3_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6616-3_17

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-19-6615-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-19-6616-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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