High-Dimensional Spectral Flow Cytometry Panel for Immunophenotypic Characterization of Fixed Whole Blood Samples.

High-dimensional spectral flow cytometry reliably characterizes immune cells from fixed whole blood, maintaining stability over 2.5 years with 71 markers.

• Why it matters: This approach addresses logistical challenges in immune profiling by eliminating the need for PBMC isolation and cryopreservation, enabling broader clinical and research applications.
• What they did: A 36-marker lymphoid and 35-marker myeloid panel was developed and optimized for fixed blood samples, focusing on antibody compatibility, specificity, and chemokine receptor detection, then validated against fresh samples.
• The result: The method consistently identifies major immune populations and preserves profiles over long-term storage, facilitating longitudinal immune monitoring in settings with limited resources.