The application of cytochemistry to automation.

The application of cytochemical techniques for use with automated instruments introduces a variety of problems not encountered with traditional cytochemical stains prepared for human visualization. This is particularly true for flow-cytophotometers, which require that cells be stained in suspension, making it difficult to remove reagents once they are added to a staining mixture. It is much less a problem for pattern recognition instruments. The major difficulties relate to cell preparation, fixation, staining, controls and interpretation of instrumental data. The new cytochemical techniques or modifications of existing methods that are required for use with such instruments present a fresh challenge to cytochemists. The need for such methods is great and the rewards may be equivalent.