The use of flow cytometry in the diagnosis and monitoring of malignant hematological disorders

Flow cytometry is a modality with ever increasing application in modern hematological practice. This is due to the rapidity of obtaining results, ease of use and increasing power to detect abnormal populations of cells. The major uses of flow cytometry in malignant hematology are in the diagnosis, classification and monitoring of diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The technique is now used also to detect disease-specific populations of cells in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. This review describes the use of flow cytometry in many disease states.