One-step White Blood Cell Extracellular Staining Method for Flow Cytometry

Abstract

Flow cytometry is a powerful analytical technique that is increasingly used in scientific investigations and healthcare; however, it requires time-consuming, multi-step sample procedures, which limits its use to specialized laboratories. In this study, we propose a new universal one-step method in which white blood cell staining and red blood cell lysis are carried out in a single step, using a gentle lysis solution mixed with fluorescent antibody conjugates or probes in a dry or liquid format. The blood sample may be obtained from a routine venipuncture or directly from a fingerprick, allowing for near-patient analysis. This procedure enables the analysis of common white blood cell markers as well as markers related to infections or sepsis. This simpler and faster protocol may help to democratize the use of flow cytometry in the research and medical fields. Graphic abstract: One-step White Blood Cell Extracellular Staining Method for Flow Cytometry.

Keywords: Blood; Flow cytometry; Leukocytes; One-step method; Point-of-care.