Etymed
flow cytometry
Definition
A technique used to analyze and measure the physical and chemical characteristics of cells by passing them through a laser beam in a fluid stream
Clinical context
A 32-year-old woman presents with fatigue and easy bruising. Laboratory studies reveal pancytopenia with abnormal lymphocytes on peripheral smear. Flow cytometry of bone marrow aspirate shows abnormal B-cell markers consistent with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient undergoes chemotherapy and achieves complete remission.
Mnemonic
FLoW Cytometry = FLOW of cells through LASER beam