Specimen considerations
Whole peripheral blood samples are recommended for evaluating both red blood cells and white blood cells. Testing should be performed on at least two different cell populations (not lymphocytes). Bone marrow samples are not appropriate outside the research setting as immature myeloid populations may express lower levels of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, which complicates interpretation.
Peripheral blood is the preferred specimen for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) testing by flow cytometry1
Recommendations for PNH sample handling
Recommendations on the source, storage and handling of samples for PNH testing1,2
Source | Peripheral blood |
Anticoagulant | EDTA is the preferred/most tested agent, but heparin or ACD is also acceptable |
Volume |
|
Maximum sample age | <48 h for RBCs and WBCs |
Sample storage | 4°C after 24 h |
Lysing reagent |
|
Cell populations evaluated |
|
ACD, acid citrate dextrose; EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; PBS, phosphate buffered saline; PNH, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria; RBC, red blood cell; WBC, white blood cell
-
References
- Sutherland DR et al. Cytometry B Clin Cytom 2018; 94: 23-48.
- Borowitz MJ et al. Cytometry B Clin Cytom 2010; 78B: 211-230.