Quantitation of circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells early after transplantation.

By multicolor flow cytometry CD34 positive blood progenitor cells (BPC) were determined by standard procedures before and after reinfusion. Measurements of circulating progenitor cells after transplantation lead to cell numbers that are considered together with reconstitution potential, especially with the number of transfused apheresis platelet concentrates after transplantation. Decreased concentrations of CD34 positive cells are associated with an increased frequency of platelet transfusions after transplantation.

Detection of malignant cells of epithelial origin in mononuclear cell fractions.

Qualitative and quantitative detection of contaminating malignant cells in stem cell apheresis products intended for supportive therapy after high-dose chemotherapy of sensitive solid tumors is a demanding task for the laboratory. Human breast cancer cells in differing concentrations among mononuclear cells were quantitated by multicolor flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Comparing specificity, sensitivity, and laboratory processing time, the immunocytochemical detection of the above-mentioned malignant cells of epithelial origin was demonstrated to be the superior method.