Automated cytochemistry in acute leukemias. A new approach to the FAB classification based on cell distribution pattern.

Automated cytochemistry by the Hemalog D carries out leukocyte differential counts in a continuous flow mode on whole blood EDTA-collected samples, through the optical measurement of enzyme activity and cell size. This operative principle thus parallels the basis of the FAB classification of acute leukemias. Although the cell classification logic system can be misled by the heterogeneity of most leukemic populations, valuable qualitative information may be obtained from the x-y oscilloscope display. This provides a true morphological representation of the leukemic cell distribution. According to such a preliminary assumption, each FAB subtype of acute leukemias is shown to reproduce a peculiar image of cellular distribution when analyzed by the Hemalog D.