Flow Cytometry in Pathology

Flow Cytometry (FCM) is a powerful, high-throughput analytical technique used to measure physical and chemical characteristics of single cells or particles as they flow in a fluid stream past a laser beam. This topic delves into the core principles of FCM, including light scattering and fluorescence emission, and the use of various fluorochrome dyes conjugated to antibodies for detecting cell surface and intracellular antigens. It covers sample preparation from cytology specimens and tissues, key applications such as DNA ploidy analysis, cell cycle assessment, and immunophenotyping for diagnosing and classifying hematological malignancies. For Zambian tertiary students in biomedical science, medical laboratory technology, or oncology programs, proficiency in flow cytometry is crucial for modern diagnostic pathology. It enables the identification of aneuploid populations, calculation of DNA index, assessment of proliferative activity (S-phase fraction), and detailed analysis of lymphoid cells using CD markers. This knowledge equips learners with skills essential for clinical laboratories, cancer research, and patient management in Zambia's healthcare system, supporting exam success and career readiness in a technology-driven field.