Cytotoxic flow-cytometric crossmatches (flow-tox): A comparison with conventional cytotoxicity crossmatch techniques

Paula J. Wetzsteon, Mary Ann Head, Lori M. Fletcher, Wai Choong Lye, Douglas J. Norman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Detection and avoidance of donor-reactive antibodies in the sera of potential organ transplant recipients is key to a successful transplant outcome. Techniques of antibody detection that use flow cytometry are more sensitive than those that rely upon a visual determination of cytotoxicity. However, as conventionally performed, flow-cytometric crossmatches do not distinguish between cytotoxic (complement fixing) and noncytotoxic antibodies because both types of antibodies can bind to a cell and be detected by laser-activated fluorochrome photon emission. In 1989 we described two techniques for detecting cytotoxic antibodies using flow-cytometric techniques [1]. In 1990, we expanded the application of these new techniques that we called flow cytotoxicity assays or "Flow-Tox" [2]. Flow-Tox crossmatches demonstrate an increase in both sensitivity and specificity over conventional cytotoxicity crossmatches.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)93-99
Number of pages7
JournalHuman Immunology
Volume35
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cytotoxic flow-cytometric crossmatches (flow-tox): A comparison with conventional cytotoxicity crossmatch techniques'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this