Austin Pathology

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Immunophenotyping - Flow Cytometry (All Specimen Types)

Alternate Names
Cell Surface Markers, CLL, Immunophenotype, Leukaemia Panel, Leukaemia Screen, Lymphoma, Lymphoproliferative Screen, NHL, Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Myeloma, Lymphoproliferative Screen Body Fluid, Lymphoproliferative Screen Tissue
Test Code
FLOW
Testing Laboratory
Flow Cytometry
Specimen Type

Body Fluid

CSF

Tissue

Bone Marrow

Lymph Node

Blood

Container Type

See collection instructions

Medicare Rebate

Yes

Out of Pocket Costs
None
Ordering Information

REQUEST FLOW CYTOMETRY ON TISSUE FOR:

  • Suspected lymphoma (past history of lymphoma, lymphadenopathy, radiology/imaging suggests lymphoma)

Flow cytometry is not diagnostic for Hodgkin's lymphoma.


PLEASE NOTE: Anatomical pathology cannot/will not divide smaller specimens such as core biopsies, these should have separate specimens for flow cytometry and histology.

The laboratory will only divide large specimens >1 - 2 cubic cm (e.g. whole lymph nodes, spleen)

For non lymph node tissue specimens that are small (often small and very important), cases should ideally be discussed with a pathologist before or during a procedure to ascertain the most appropriate distribution of tissue. 

Contact the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory on: 03 9496 5285 or 03 9496 5543 to speak with a pathologist.

Histology should usually be prioritized as this is more likely to be diagnostic.

Collection Instructions

Instructions for: Metropolitan Collection Centres

  • DO NOT COLLECT AFTER MIDDAY FRIDAY OR AT ALL ON SATURDAY.
  • DO NOT COLLECT AFTER MIDDAY THE DAY BEFORE A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

Instructions for: Regional Collection Centres

  • DO NOT COLLECT ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY.
  • DO NOT COLLECT THE DAY BEFORE A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

BLOOD

  • DEDICATED 5 mL blood LITHIUM HEPARIN tube no gel, AND 4 mL blood EDTA tube.

BONE MARROW (BMFLOW)

  • LITHIUM HEPARIN or EDTA tube.  Separate tubes must be collected for the tests. Arrange with the Haematology Registrar, ph: 03 9496 5981.

LYMPH NODE

  • Sterile container (no fixative) and send immediately to Anatomical Pathology.

BODY FLUID

  • Send immediately to Anatomical Pathology.

TISSUE 

  • Separate fresh tissue specimen in sterile pot or in tissue preservative (RPMI, pink liquid – preferred if sending after hours)
  • Label as urgent
  • If uncertain, please discuss with Anatomical Pathologist
Transport Instructions
Transport ambient at room temperature
Storage Instructions
Store ambient at room temperature
Testing Frequency
Monday - Friday
Min Test Volume
2mL
Add On Test Suitability

Add ons for this test cannot be performed.

If retrospective flow cytometry is required, please discuss with the flow cytometry laboratory.

Container ID
CH, CHS
CSR Instructions

Instructions for: Metropolitan & Regional Specimen Receptions

  • Request for Flow Cytometry received without any clinical notes will require further clarification from the requesting doctor.
  • This test (Immunophenotyping - FLOW) is used for oncology patients with suspected malignancies. 
  • Other Flow Cytometry tests can be found in the table below:
Test Code Description
Immunophenotyping

FLOW

BMFLOW

Diagnosis of patients with suspected malignancy.

For Bone Marrow samples, please code BMFLOW.

Lymphocyte Subsets SUBS Analysis of lymphocyte sub-populations
PNH Screen PNH Screening for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria
CD34 Enumeration PRE34 Enumeration of CD34+ stem cells for patient undergoing a stem cell harvest by apheresis.
HLA B27 Screen HLAB27 Screening of the HLA B27 antigen.
MRD Analysis MRD Minimal residual disease monitoring for patients with known leukaemia.
  • Refer to each test for specimen and handling requirements. Contact Flow Cytometry (03 9496 5909) for assistance with ambiguous requests.
Laboratory Instructions
None
Accredited Test
Yes