PNHSource

Flow Cytometry — Using Peripheral Blood — Is the Gold Standard Diagnostic Test for PNH

Flow cytometry: the most sensitive, informative assay for PNH diagnosis

Detection of PNH clones by flow cytometry, the gold standard diagnostic test for PNH, provides the most consistent and sensitive method of testing for PNH. The Clinical Cytometry Society (CCS) has published guidelines to support the accurate identification and monitoring of PNH cell populations.

Overview of sample processing in flow cytometry

• Send peripheral blood samples to a lab that can perform high-sensitivity testing, in order to detect cell populations numbering as few as 0.01%
• Stain cells with monoclonal antibodies against GPI-anchored proteins or markers for GPI anchor in both red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) that are specific for each cell lineage tested
  • Both RBCs and WBCs should be tested for the presence of PNH clones
  • Multiple markers should be used for each lineage tested, as recommended in the CCS guidelines¹
• Ensure that appropriate numbers of gated cells are used for routine analysis and high-sensitivity flow cytometry
• Report flow cytometric data by describing populations of both RBCs and WBCs that are abnormal or deficient in GPI anchors