[Flow cytogenetics. Principles, advantages and limitations. What trends for onco-hematology?].

Human chromosomes can be observed after coloration with ADN specific fluorochromes. Measurement of fluorescence intensity may be done by flow cytometry and it allows achievement of flow karyotypes. It is possible to define a standard karyotype and-by comparison-to bring to the fore chromosomes abnormalities (translocation, deletion, polysomy). Various genomic abnormalities are observed with leukemia. Flow cytometry allows a multiparameter analysis which could be used to detect rare events, unknown in classic karyotyping. With Flow Cytometry and cell sorting, the abnormal chromosomes could be separated and secondly observed after Q banding or analysed after molecular hybridization to confirm leukemia diagnosis or prognostic. Flow cytometry, an analytical technology already used in onco-hematology, allows, which chromosome analysis associated with other technics (molecular biology,...) a new approach of particular diagnosis.