Cell-based fluorescence assays in leukemia/lymphoma evaluations typically rely on qualitative approaches for the identification and enumeration of the target cell population(s), but other equally important diagnostic assays are quantitative or semiquantitative. Qualitative assays usually give an overall picture of the composite phenotype based on the expression level of a set of antigens on particular cell lineages that render diagnostic patterns. Conversely, quantitative flow cytometry precisely measures the antigen density or absolute target cell count, and semi-quantitative assays quantify the abnormal target cell population above a certain threshold relative to its normal counterpart or total cells. The following sections attempt to provide an overview of the different types of flow cytometric evaluation of normal and pathological specimens, providing details of
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