Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping of Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimens

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) is recommended in the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens for hematologic neoplasms. This study reviewed FCI of CSF specimens collected for primary diagnosis (n = 77) and follow-up for known malignancy (n = 153). FCI was positive in 11 (4.8%) of 230 specimens: acute myeloid leukemia, 6; precursor B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 2; B-cell lymphoma, 2; and T-cell lymphoma, 1. Positive results were obtained in low-cellularity specimens, including 2 with fewer than 100 events in the population of interest. FCI was indeterminate in 19 (8.3%) of 230 specimens, including 3 with only sparse events, 8 with possible artifact (apparent lack of staining, nonspecific or background staining, and aspirated air), and 8 with phenotypic findings considered insufficient for diagnosis. Indeterminate specimens were often limited by low cellularity and lacked normal cell populations to evaluate for appropriate staining. FCI may be of value in low-cellularity CSF specimens, although the results should be interpreted with caution.