Description of flow cytometry examinations related to human cell differentiation molecules in clinical immunology.

Human cell differentiation molecules, also known as "CD", are cell-surface molecules reacting with different monoclonal antibodies. The fraction of cells belonging to each immunophenotype is measured by flow cytometry. This brief communication proposes the application into clinical immunological laboratories, of the syntax recommended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine to describe biological properties. Following this syntax, all properties related to human cell differentiation molecules examined by flow cytometry, but not limited to, may be described in the same way. In addition, the application of the IUPAC-IFCC recommended syntax in clinical immunology may facilitate unequivocal written or electronic communication between healthcare professionals world-wide. (c) 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society.