More on: calibration for the measurement of microparticles: needs, interests, and limitations of calibrated polystyrene beads for flow cytometry-based quantification of biological microparticles.

摘要

We have read with interest the recent paper by Chandler et al.[1] 'A new microparticle size calibration standard for use in measuring smaller microparticles using a new flow cytom-eter'. In this previous paper, Chandler and collaborators discussed the important topic of microparticles (MPs) which could become useful predictive biomarkers of various patho-physiological states [2]. Numerous techniques have been described to detect and/or characterize MPs [3] including flow cytometry (FCM). However, no 'gold standard' system is recognized so far. Each method has specific advantages and disadvantages. For example, FCM which is currently the most widely used technique to study MPs suffers from a lack of sensitivity and is limited by size-related issues. Submicron beads [Megamix (Mgx)] (BioCytex, Marseille, France) were proposed to help qualifying instruments and measure a reproducible part of the largest MPs [4].