To order Leucocyte immunophenotyping in EMR type "FLOW CYTOMETRY" in the search window and select the relevant panel required based on clinical question.

Testing may be indicated when leukaemia (myeloid or lymphoid either T-cell or B-cell) to assess lineage or lymphoma/lymphoproliferative disorder is suspected.

Clinical data is required for Flow Cytometry staff to assist interpretation.

PLEASE NOTE : Flow Cytometry is a specialised procedure that is performed only during normal business hours.  If there is an extremely urgent need to perform this test outside of these hours, the laboratory must be contacted before the sample is collected. 

It is also imperative that the reason(s) for requesting flow cytometry are clearly indicated on the request form, including contact details for the requesting doctor.

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab

Sample store at Room temperature.

Blood samples for oncology phenotyping  should preferably be maintained at room temperature on the day that they are collected, but if not processed that day, refrigeration for up to 48-72 hours is also acceptable. 

Cut-off for outpatient sample collection on Fridays is at 11.30 AM and MUST reach the laboratory before 2.00PM.

The panel of markers used will be appropriate to the panel selected and the clinical comments supplied , or as arranged by prior consultation

Samples must be marked 'URGENT', must reach the laboratory as soon as possible. 

All out-of-hours testing requires notification.

Time and date of collection must be recorded on request form.

Whole blood - 1 x EDTA sample, do not spin. Store at room temperature. An FBE and BLOOD FILM must also be requested,  and needs a separate EDTA sample.

Bone marrow aspirate - Sample into  EDTA tube

Tissue - Fresh (if to be shared with other departments for other tests eg. Histopathology or Microbiology) or RPMI fluid (especially if specimen is taken out of hours). This fluid is obtainable from: BH Lab 9895 3884, MH Lab: 9871 3572 or AH Lab: 9764 6136.

CSF/other fluids

Depending on the tests requested, 3-4 separate tubes will need to be provided. Note that the tubes are numbered so that order of collection can be identified – this order should be carefully followed, so that the optimal sample can be used for the requested tests. It is also important to consider the tests that are required, as this will determine how much CSF is needed in each tube. See the matrix below for details.

TUBE 1 is used for Biochemistry and Flow Cytometry. (Centrifuged in the lab – the supernatant is used for Biochemistry analysis (glucose, protein) and the cellular pellet will be used for flow cytometry if required). If tube 3 is bloodstained, take an aliquot for microbiology.

TUBE 2 is used for Cytology

TUBE 3 is for Microbiological analysis (cell count, Gram stain and culture) and any further infectious testing (e.g. viral PCR, mycobacterial PCR and culture, cryptococcal antigen).

TUBE 4 will be required only for;

(a) Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (CJD) testing OR

(b) Xanthochromia analysis (wrap the tube in foil to prevent sample deterioration due to light).