U.S.-Canadian consensus recommendations on the immunophenotypic analysis of hematologic neoplasia by flow cytometry: Data analysis and interpretation

Data analysis and interpretation in flow cytometry is a two-stage process that relies first on multiparameter analysis with an informative panel of antibodies to discriminate normal from abnormal cells. The phenotype of the abnormal cells should then be described based on presence and intensity of expression of various antigens and on the light scatter characteristics of the cells. An interpretation can then be rendered based on the overall phenotypic pattern seen. In some cases this phenotypic pattern will be specific enough to suggest a particular diagnosis, whereas in other cases the information can be used to narrow a differential diagnosis suggested by clinical and morphologic criteria, and still others can suggest a differential diagnosis that other techniques can address. The results of this synthesis of information should be included in a narrative section of the report.