Flow cytometry is a cornerstone diagnostic tool used in hematology screening. We use advanced instruments and laser technology to measure properties of cells and detect cancer cells in a sample of bone marrow, blood, or lymph node. After the sample is treated with fluorescent antibodies, it is scanned with a laser beam. If the antibodies are attached to the cells, they will give off light that helps quantify and identify the cell types. This most often provides a differential diagnosis for leukemia and lymphoma. Genoptix also uses this robust technology for assessment of clonal evolution, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and minimal residual disease (MRD) for B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM).

For many diseases, cytogenetics provides the next layer of information at the genomic level. Our cytogenetics lab performs karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for disease markers and specific genetic and chromosomal anomalies. This is important because chromosomal analysis of leukemias, lymphomas and solid tumors may reveal abnormalities that will impact a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.