An innovation in flow cytometry data collection and analysis producing a correlated multiple sample analysis in a single file

Abstract

The problems associated with rapid analysis and interpretation of data from multicolor immunofluorescence panels have been a formidable barrier to their routine use. Using present flow cytometry concepts, a panel of 11 tubes each containing multiple phenotypic markers or controls requires postdata acquisition manipulation of many multiparameter histogram and listmode files. We have developed a method that compresses all of the information from such a panel into a single listmode data file during run time. A single data file is used to record the entire phenotypic analysis for a particular patient or series within an experiment. This is accomplished by the incorporation of a tube identifier parameter (TIP) as well as the fluorescence and light scatter parameters normally collected. The TIP can then be used for gating discrimination of any tube or set of tubes within a panel. When the TIP is correlated with the PRISM parameter the entire patient phenotypic image can be represented within a single two-parameter histogram we have called a phenogram. This phenogram can be generated in real time, providing on-line preprocessing of a complex multicolor experiment. By examining the image created by the phenogram it is possible to rapidly flag abnormalities such as incorrect gating. This procedure was carried out on an EPICS Elite flow cytometer in its standard configuration with the addition of hardware to provide an input for the TIP.