Fluorescence Flow Cytometry is a cutting-edge diagnostic technique used to analyse urine samples. This technique has distinct advantages over conventional urinalysis including:
Fluorescence flow cytometry also has the ability to be automated, reducing time and man-power required for quick and reliable diagnostics. The urine sample collected from the patient is treated with fluorochromes, chemical compounds which “stain” the cell membranes and nuclei of the cells present in the sample. The urine is then passed through a flow cell, a very thin tube which forces the particles to pass through in a “single-file”. The flow cell is targeted with a laser at the frequency where the fluorochromes exhibit fluorescence. This fluorescence is recorded by multiple detectors, and the data is collated by a computer. This technique is useful in counting bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells and other particles in the urine. This data is useful in the diagnosis of a range of diseases including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, renal failure and hepatitis.
Fluorescence flow cytometry is a cutting-edge laboratory technique used to analyse particles present in urine. Identifying the particles and their concentration in a patient’s urine can give urologists vital data that is useful in diagnosing the patient correctly. Fluorescence flow cytometry is used to analyse urine samples quickly and efficiently. This technique helps analyse urine samples without centrifugation or pre-treatment, which saves a lot of time, avoids common sources of error in the results and standardises analysis. Kauvery Hospital is proud to present this state-of-the-art diagnostic tool to its patients, to streamline and expedite patient care.
Conventional urinalysis techniques include microscopic examination and microbiological cultures. Examination of sediments in the urine is a multi-step process. Usually, the urine sample is put through a centrifuge. This is a machine that uses centrifugal force (Imagine a high-speed fan creating a “tornado” in the urine sample) to settle particles in the urine to the bottom so they can easily be separated from the liquid. The particles are isolated, and then looked at under a microscope. A microbiological culture is suggested when an infection caused by micro-organisms is suspected. A portion of the urine sample is inoculated into a petri-dish containing agar or any other nutrient-rich medium. The petri-dish is then placed in an incubator set to human body temperature. Any microbes present in the urine sample will grow and form visible colonies over time. This usually takes about 48 hours.
Fluorescence Flow Cytometry offers us several advantages over these conventional urinalysis techniques:
In Fluorescence Flow Cytometry, we examine cells and particles in urine samples as they flow through a very narrow flow cell.
Once a urine sample is collected from the patient and received by the lab, it is introduced to specific fluorochromes which “dye” the core DNA and surface membranes of the cells present in the sample. The fluorochromes are chosen based on their ability to emit fluorescent light when they come in contact with specific frequencies of light. This enables the lab to identify and measure the characteristics of each particle or cell in the sample.
The sample is then introduced into the flow cell. A sheath agent is used to separate the particles and allow them to flow through the flow cell one at a time. The cells flow through a laser beam targeted at the narrowest part of the flow cell, where each particle can be analysed and measured independently. This gives us more accurate, precise results. The laser beam is configured to the frequency that causes fluorescence in the fluorochrome reagent used. As the cells react to the laser by becoming fluorescent, detectors are in place to capture the each particles shape, size, depolarisation and fluorescence intensity. These 4 details make up the unique “finger-print” of each particle in the urine sample. This data is collected, and analysed by an advanced computer. The data is usually represented as a scattergram.
Fluorescence flow cytometry is used for counting bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells and other particles found in urine. This can be useful in the diagnosis of the following conditions:
Fluorescence flow cytometry can also be used in DNA analysis and to test for pregnancy.
At Kauvery Hospital, we combine advanced diagnostic tools like Fluorescence Flow Cytometry with expert medical care to ensure accurate and timely treatment. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, we are committed to delivering world-class healthcare closer to you.
Fluorescence Flow Cytometry is an advanced laboratory technique used to analyse urine samples. It identifies and counts particles like red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, and other elements in urine using fluorescent dyes and lasers.
Unlike conventional urinalysis that requires centrifugation and manual microscopic examination, Fluorescence Flow Cytometry is faster, more accurate, and can be automated. It reduces human error and gives results in less time.
The patient’s urine sample is mixed with special dyes called fluorochromes that bind to cell membranes and DNA. The sample is then passed through a very thin tube (flow cell) where a laser beam excites the dyes, causing them to glow. Detectors capture the signals, and advanced software analyses the data to give precise results.
It is more precise and reliable because it analyses each particle individually with minimal manual interference. The chances of error are significantly reduced compared to conventional microscopy or culture methods.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Vadapalani & Radial Road), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 40504050 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
