Modernization of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria diagnostics – preliminary results using FLAER reagent

Abstract

Blood samples of 50 patients diagnosed for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) were examined using FLAER screening test for the detection of PNH clone. The results were compared with routine testing using monoclonal antibodies detecting CD59 and CD66b antigens on neutrophils and CD59 on erythrocytes. Assay sensitivity (≥ 0.1%) and PNH clone size analysed using FLAER and anti-CD66b antibodies was fully consistent (R² = 0.9991) and higher than with anti-CD59 antibodies. Preliminary results indicate that for diagnosis of PNH the FLAER based test is quick, reliable and cost-effective. It might seem that the conventional screening methods could therefore be abandoned. It was found however, that in some cases of abnormal granulocyte population, additional studies should be performed using multiparameter flow cytometry blood cell analysis.