Flow cytometry in clinical diagnosis

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine,  Dec 2002  by Kini, Ameet R

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Flow Cytometry in Clinical Diagnosis 3rd ed, edited by David F Keren, J. Philip McCoy, Jr, and John L. Carey, 739 pp, with illus, Chicago, III, ASCP Press, 2002.

The 3rd edition of Flow Cytometry in Clinical Diagnosis, published by ASCP Press, offers a comprehensive guide to clinical flow cytometry. The first 7 chapters discuss the technical and operational aspects of flow cytometry including basic immunologic principles, operational principles, cluster differentiation-defined antigens, software programs, database design, quality control, quality assurance, and the economics of a flow cytometry laboratory. Many of these chapters are new (or significantly expanded) in this 3rd edition, and enhance the utility of this book. The next few chapters describe the entire gamut of clinical flow cytometry applications. The chapters on leukemia and lymphoma immunophenotyping are outstanding and are highly recommended for residents on hematology/hematopathology rotations. There are 16 case studies at the end of the chapter on the immunophenotyping of mature lymphoid leukemias and lymphomas. These case studies help reinforce the principles presented earlier in the chapter. Following this are excellent chapters on the utility of flow cytometry in immunodeficiency diseases, allogeneic transplantation, CD34 enumeration, DNA content and ploidy, immunologic dysfunction, and leukocyte functional assays. These chapters describe the common approaches (and some alternative methodologies) to these clinical applications.

The book also discusses the integration of flow cytometry with molecular biology. The emerging field of molecular flow cytometry is very promising (both clinically and for research), and this chapter serves as an introduction to those unfamiliar with these powerful approaches. Finally, there is a new and useful appendix on reference ranges for blood, bone marrow, and lymph node samples.

This book does not shy away from controversy, as most of the authors do not hesitate in proffering their opinions (sometimes critical) on controversial issues. This is where this book truly shines. The authors, all recognized experts in their fields, provide us with their valuable insight rather than simply choosing to list all opinions and published studies.

By design, the focus of the book is on the diagnostic aspects of flow cytometry. Although the technical aspects of flow cytometry are concisely described and explained, this book is inadequate for those seeking a deeper understating of fluidics, optics, compensation, and other concepts. These readers should refer to other reference flow cytometry books, including Shapiro's Practical Flow Cytometry (3rd ed, by Howard M. Shapiro, New York, NY, Wiley-Liss, 1995). Similarly, this book provides a good introduction to the research aspects of flow cytometry, but readers seeking greater depth in these issues are referred to the original papers and reviews on these topics.

Previous editions of Flow Cytometry in Clinical Diagnosis have made it the leading reference book for clinical flow cytometry. This latest edition only enhances its reputation. AMA members may order these and other books from the Book Source, 800-451-2262.

CAP members may order these and other books at a discount from the Stanford University Bookstore, 800-673-2348.

AMEET R. KINI, MD, PhD Maywood, Ill

Copyright College of American Pathologists Dec 2002
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