A simple and rapid flow cytometric method for routine assessment of baker's yeast uptake by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

A new method for measuring uptake of baker's yeast (BY) by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) using flow cytometry is described. The method correlates excellently with the visual method, is reproducible and provides a means for investigating the early phases of the phagocytic process as well as the phagocytic capacity of PMN. This quick and accurate method allows the counting of large numbers of cells, and monitoring of the process of particle uptake and has a considerable potential in the routine assessment of polymorph function in various clinical situations.