Flow cytometric analysis of myelodysplasia: Pre-analytical and technical issues-Recommendations from the European LeukemiaNet

Background Flow cytometry (FCM) aids the diagnosis and prognostic stratification of patients with suspected or confirmed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Over the past few years, significant progress has been made in the FCM field concerning technical issues (including software and hardware) and pre-analytical procedures. Methods Recommendations are made based on the data and expert discussions generated from 13 yearly meetings of the European LeukemiaNet international MDS Flow working group. Results We report here on the experiences and recommendations concerning (1) the optimal methods of sample processing and handling, (2) antibody panels and fluorochromes, and (3) current hardware technologies. Conclusions These recommendations will support and facilitate the appropriate application of FCM assays in the diagnostic workup of MDS patients. Further standardization and harmonization will be required to integrate FCM in MDS diagnostic evaluations in daily practice.

Automated summary

This article reviews the progress of flow cytometry (FCM) in the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in recent years, and provides optimal methods and recommendations for sample processing, antibody panels and fluorochromes, and current hardware technologies. These recommendations will facilitate the appropriate application of FCM assays in the diagnostic workup of MDS patients, but further standardization and harmonization are needed.