Flow Cytometry Test

The shipment of biological specimens must comply with the protocols established by the courier or transport service used. In some cases, air transport requires compliance with the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for dangerous goods.

Flow cytometry can be performed on samples with an inherently fluid composition (whole blood, cavity effusions) and on organ aspirates (e.g., lymph nodes, bone marrow) collected in a fluid medium. Intact, well-preserved cells are needed to obtain accurate results. Consequently, samples of 48 hours or less are generally required to ensure cell viability.

Sample volumes may vary, depending on the type of sample (e.g., whole blood versus organ aspirate), and the laboratory should be consulted before collecting the sample.

The laboratory may have additional recommendations related to the collection and shipment of samples. For example, depending on sample transit times, it may be advisable to send samples early in the week to avoid delays that extend over the weekend.