Open AccessRecommended methods for cytological procedures in haematology
Author(s) -
Chairman A. Shibata,
Bennett J.M.,
Castoldi G.L.,
Catovsky D.,
Flandrin G.,
Jaffe E.S.,
Katayama I.,
Nanba K.,
Schmalzl F.,
representative L.T. Yam ICSH Board,
Lewis S.M.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
clinical & laboratory haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1365-2257
pISSN - 0141-9854
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2257.1985.tb00007.x
Subject(s) - standardization , hematology , medicine , comparability , peripheral blood , medical physics , external quality assessment , acid phosphatase , pathology , enzyme , chemistry , biochemistry , computer science , mathematics , combinatorics , operating system
Preamble It is well known that histochemical techniques are useful in haematology; especially for the classification of acute leukaemias. However, it is often difficult to compare the results obtained in different laboratories because of the variety of techniques used by workers in various parts of the world. For this reason, the International Committee for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) convened an expert panel in order to examine the technical problems related to the standardization in cytochemical procedures for blood cells. The panel members met to discuss the problems, review various techniques, compare results and make recommendations for standardization of enzyme chemistry for light microscopy in air‐dried peripheral blood films and bone marrow preparations. Five enzymes were identified as requiring methodological standardization: peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, non‐specific esterase and chloroacetate esterase. Beta‐glucoronidase was excluded because of its minor clinical significance. Each enzymatic reaction was tested by at least two panel members in their laboratories before conclusions were made. The aim was to identify reference methods and also reliable selected techniques suitable for use in routine laboratory practice in order to obtain international comparability of data. For some enzymes the identification of a ‘reference’ method remains to be determined.