Quantitative assessment of neutrophil function by flow cytometry.

The use of flow cytometry (FCM) to quantitatively assess neutrophil function is reviewed. The methodology is capable of measuring a number of parameters involved in the oxidative pathways that form the basis of the activated neutrophil's contribution to the host defense mechanism. These events are summarized and some findings, such as in patients with chronic granulomatous disease, are discussed. FCM study of neutrophil function requires smaller numbers of cells than do traditional methods, which makes it particularly useful in the assessment of small fluid samples or in the evaluation of multiple parameters, and has the advantage that cell purification procedures are not essential.