What is essential to assess regarding specimen stability in flow cytometry?

Assessing specimen stability in flow cytometry is crucial for obtaining reliable and reproducible results. One key aspect to consider is that changes in markers or cellular subsets can occur during the storage of samples. This variability can arise from factors such as cell metabolism, degradation of surface markers, and other changes that can occur over time. By understanding the potential alterations that can take place due to improper storage conditions or delays in processing, laboratories can implement appropriate practices to minimize these effects.

Specifically, this means recognizing that if samples are not processed or stored properly, the integrity of the cellular components and the accuracy of the flow cytometry data may be compromised. This assessment is fundamental in ensuring that the findings from flow cytometric analyses are valid and can be interpreted confidently. Therefore, monitoring changes in cellular characteristics during storage is essential for maintaining the fidelity of the results obtained in flow cytometry.