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Neoplastic Hematopathology & Flow Cytometry


The Division of Hematologic Pathology has expertise in all aspects of the diagnostic evaluation of patients with hematologic malignancy. We offer world-class consultative interpretation of the morphology of blood, bone marrow, lymph node and other hematologic specimens, and have specialty expertise in the application of ancillary techniques, especially flow cytometry. These ancillary studies are important not only for diagnosis but also monitoring patients after therapy for detection of residual disease.

Our testing and consultation services aid treating physicians, oncologists, and hematologists as well as pathologists confronted with difficult diagnostic problems in leukemia and lymphoma.
Lab Hours
8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Cytometry Laboratory
401 N. Broadway, Room 2300
Baltimore, Maryland 21231
Phone: 410-614-2968
Fax: 410-614-2912
E-mail: flowcytometry@pds.path.jhu.edu
Experience
Many years of experience working closely with pathologists as well as with treating oncologists and hematologists have enabled us to understand both the diagnostic complexities and the practical implications in this extremely complex area. We can help you determine not only the most appropriate test for diagnosis, but also the circumstances in which additional costly testing may not be needed. We are always available to discuss the special features of any case.
Expertise
Expert consultation
The Hematologic Pathology Division is directed by Dr. Michael J. Borowitz, an internationally renowned hematopathologist with particular expertise in the flow cytometric diagnosis of hematologic malignancies. He has been a leader in numerous organizations concerned with the clinical application of this technology. Drs. Frederick Racke and Edward Weir are board certified hematopathologists with expertise in all aspects of diagnosis of hematologic disorders.

Although we have expertise in the appropriate application of state-of-the-art technology to the diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma, we also are experts in the morphologic diagnosis of these tumors. We believe that excellent morphologic analysis is essential to the interpretation of ancillary techniques, and that it continues to provide the cornerstone to diagnosis.
Special capabilities and services
The Flow Cytometry lab has been an international leader in developing and applying new technologies. We were among the first to use a "pattern recognition" approach to diagnosis. Using four-color multiparameter analysis, we have developed a highly sensitive method for detecting malignant hematopoietic cells and describing these cells in a manner most appropriate for classification.

The laboratory performs more than 2,000 tests per year on the flow cytometric analysis of hematologic malignancies. Other flow cytometric tests performed by the laboratory include routine lymphocyte subset analysis, CD34 enumeration, and detection of GPI-anchored proteins for the diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

The division also works closely with the Cytogenetics, Immunopathology, and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratories. When customers would benefit from the testing services of these other labs, our lab can jointly coordinate all services and we can incorporate all appropriate information into our final interpretation.
Timely Results
Test results generally can be supplied in one or two days from receipt of sample, depending on the nature of the workup performed. If requested, preliminary assessment can be given the same day. Flow cytometric results are available within hours if needed. Phone reports are routine, and hard copy is usually available by fax the following day.
Faculty (1)


Michael J. Borowitz, M.D., Ph.D.
phone: (410) 614-2889/ fax: (410) 502-1493
e-mail: mborowit@jhmi.edu
  • Deputy Director, Education
  • Professor of Pathology and Oncology
>> Current Research

Education and Training
  • M.D., Duke University School of Medicine
  • Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Residency, Duke University Medical Center
Notable Accomplishments
Dr. Borowitz is one of the leaders in applying immunologic techniques to diagnose and classify leukemia and lymphoma. He has published numerous articles documenting the importance of these ancillary studies in the accurate diagnosis of these cancers, and has been particularly active in applying sophisticated approaches using the technique of flow cytometry. He has also been a leader in standardizing the practice of flow cytometry as it applies to leukemia and lymphoma, and has worked on developing improved proficiency testing programs and guidelines as well as good laboratory practice.

Major Professional Leadership
  • Chair, National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards subcommittee on Flow Cytometry
  • Co-organizer, North American Consensus Conference on Flow Cytometry in Leukemia and Lymphoma
  • Member, Society for Hematopathology; past member of executive committee (1992-96)
  • Member, International Society for Analytic Cytology; past member of executive board of Clinical Cytometry Division (1995-96)
  • Editorial Board: Leukemia; Communications in Clinical Cytometry
Ordering Tests

To order, call Customer Service at
1-800-997-5475
between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

We provide a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma, aided by our close collaboration with the Cytogenetics, Immunopathology, and Molecular Diagnostics laboratories. Our lab has pioneered methods for enhanced sensitivity, enabling us to provide more precise and detailed information from a single specimen. Equally crucial, our faculty are experts in analyzing and interpreting the results provided by this state-of-the-art technology.
  • Leukemia
    • Flow Cytometry
      • Phenotypic Characterization
      • Residual Disease Detection
    • Morphology Consultations -- Blood and Marrow
    • Cytogenetics (in collaboration with the Cytogenetics Laboratory)
    • Molecular Diagnostics (in collaboration with the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory)

  • Lymphoma
    • Flow Cytometry
      • Phenotypic Characterization
      • Staging
      • Residual Disease Detection
      • Fine Needle Aspirates
    • Morphology Consultations -- Lymph Node and other Tissue Biopsies
    • Immunohistochemistry
    • Molecular diagnostics (in collaboration with the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory)

  • Specialty Tests
    • CD34 Counting
    • PNH (Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria) Diagnosis
Special Ordering Instructions
Click here for Specimen Handling Instructions



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