[Standardization in flow cytometry]

Abstract

Analysis of lymphocyte subsets and determination of leukemic cells by flow cytometry has now become an important clinical test. With recent technological developments, reliability was improved and the procedure became easier. To establish quality assurance procedures for flow cytometry, standardization is necessary. In the United States, the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) has been working actively and has published several tentative guidelines. However, in Japan, such work lags behind that in western countries. The results of quality control surveys show that differences in data exist among instruments and laboratories. To minimize such differences, nation-wide surveillance must be established. Also, efforts should be made to establish reference methods and reference materials that will lead to standardized results. We hope standardization will ensure precision and accuracy in flow cytometric results in clinical laboratories.