Duration

  • 1 month

Objectives

  • Attain competency in interpreting flow cytometric histograms, dot plots, and contour plots.
  • Understand the utility as well as the limits of the method and how the data generated integrates into the diagnostic interpretation.
  • Acquire familiarity with criteria for diagnosis of malignant lymphoma using flow cytometry.
  • Acquire familiarity with criteria for diagnosis of aneuploidy using DNA content analysis.
  • Understand concept of determination of S phase fractions and variables important in this determination.
  • Understand the need for quality control and know what currently is acceptable in this area.

Residents spend 1 month rotating on the Clinical Flow Cytometry Service as an elective rotation. In the first week the residents spend the majority of their time reading literature provided and discussing antigens and antibodies. During this time they are introduced to interpretation of patient immunophenotypic data and are guided through analyses of classical flow cytometric cases. As the residents acquire greater knowledge, they are given cases to review on their own for presentation at sign out. Reports are initially dictated to the residents but as they become more knowledgeable, they are required to prepare reports prior to review and sign out. These reports are then reviewed and corrected.

The Flow Cytometry Laboratory tests for the presence of hematopoietic neoplasms in specimens submitted (including blood, bone marrow, cell suspensions, fluids, fine needle aspirates, CSF). The Flow Cytometry Laboratory does not perform the following analyses: transplant patients- immune monitoring, immunodeficiency work-ups (immunophenotyping and/or CD4/CD8 counts), serologic tests for infectious disease, serologic autoimmune work-ups, other immunologic or histocompatibility testing procedures. Residents review the immunophenotypic data generated and compare to morphological findings before signing out cases with a staff member and then generating a report. Approximately 88 cases are reviewed in a one-month rotation. Residents attend conferences in which diagnostic molecular findings are compared to immunophenotypic data. Outside consult cases are reviewed with residents. Residents receive lectures on flow cytometric immunophenotyping.

For more information on clinical departments (e.g., procedures, staff information, specimen collection, forms, etc), please see:
http://home.ccr.cancer.gov/LOP/Clinical/clinops.asp  and click on the link for the appropriate section.

B. Hematopathology

Mentor

  • Dr. Elaine Jaffe

Duration

  • All residents complete a 1-month rotation in hematopathology. Additional elective rotations may be completed at the residents descretion.

C. Immunopathology of the Lymphoid System

Mentors

  • Dr. Elaine Jaffe
  • Dr. Maryalice Stetler-Stevenson

Duration

  • 1 month

During this immunopathology elective the resident will learn the role of immunologic techniques, including flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, in the diagnosis of benign and malignant lymphoid lesions. The resident assumes responsibility for ordering and interpreting immunologic assays. The routine histopathologic findings are correlated with the results of frozen section immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry using a large battery of monoclonal antibodies. The resident will gain familiarity with the CD nomenclature for monoclonal antibodies applicable to the hematopoietic system. After reviewing the data with the staff pathologists, the resident will prepare an immunopathology report, which is issued as a supplement to the routine surgical pathology report.

Immunopathology training is also an integral part of the required hematopathology rotation supervised by Dr. Elaine Jaffe and the staff of the Hematopathology Section. During this elective the resident learns the role of immunologic techniques, including flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, in the diagnosis of benign and malignant lymphoid lesions. The resident assumes the responsibility for ordering and interpreting immunologic assays. The routine histopathology findings are correlated with the results of immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry using a large battery of monoclonal antibodies. The resident gains familiarity with the CD nomenclature for lymphoid surface antigens. After reviewing data with the staff pathologists, the residents prepare an immunopathology report, which may be issued as a supplement to the routine surgical pathology report.

For more information on clinical departments (e.g., procedures, staff information, specimen collection, forms, etc), please see:
http://home.ccr.cancer.gov/LOP/Clinical/clinops.asp  and click on the link for the appropriate section.

D. Chromosome Pathology
Last updated by Barr, Frederic (NIH/NCI) [E] on Sep 11, 2017