A REAGENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION, ENUMERATION AND EXAMINATION OF CLASSES AND SUBCLASSES OF BLOOD LEUKOCYTES

摘要

It identifies the classes and subclasses of specified hematoblasts leukocytes by Immunohaematology procedures, based on the use of epitopes on the cell surface reactivity with fluorescent antibodies in known circumstances identified by the use the principles of morphology or flow cytometry. The present invention particularly relates to improvements in the method of lysing and fixing used prior to detection and the identification of cells. In this method, a whole blood sample is first incubated with a reagent containing antibody to cell subclass to identify the antibody directly or indirectly by fluorescence responsive to particular light (e.g., laser ions 'argon). The red cells are then lysed with a reagent containing saponin. Then follows a treatment for fixing leukocytes, preferably by the use of a dialdehyde cross-linking composition, e.g. glyoxal or glutaraldehyde. The preferred embodiment provides details as to time, temperature, concentration and the use of additives and coloring as well as the use of specific monoclonal antibodies.