What’s Next Generation Flow™?
Next Generation Flow™ (NGF) is based on the standardization of every step of the process from sample preparation to expert-guided automated reporting. Cytognos, in collaboration with EuroFlow™, offers a complete and scientific-based solution to cover all the needs of a clinical laboratory, including the support of our highly specialized technical team:
- Setting up and technical implementation of the EuroFlow™ SOPs.
- Staining of samples using the NGF product line.
- Acquisition of samples in compatible cytometers.
- Automated data analysis and reporting using Infinicyt™.
Next Generation Flow™ has emerged in recent years as a solution to overcome the limitations of 1st generation (conventional) flow cytometry and also, as a complement to genetic and imaging methodologies.
What are the advantages of Next Generation Flow™?
- The EuroFlow™ NGF panels were developed in different centers taking into account the availability of specific antibody clones and fluorochrome conjugates, literature and the experience and knowledge of all the centers involved.
- Several rounds of validation, using unbiased software algorithms, were performed to obtain the most efficient combination per disease category.
- Standardization promoted by the publication of clear guidelines for sample collection, instrument settings, data acquisition and data analysis.
- Selection of core markers for the correct identification of cells of interest in all tubes of a panel.
- Publication by EuroFlow™ of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and validated reagents.
- Lyophilized kits that include all auxiliary reagents for sample preparation.
- Lot-to-lot reproducibility is assured in Cytognos reagents.
- Improved processing protocols to reach the required sensitivity for each assay (e.g. close to 10-6 for monitoring).
- EuroFlow™ has established a complete quality assessment scheme aimed at monitoring the whole flow cytometry analysis (cytometer settings, sample preparation, acquisition and analysis).
- Development and validation of novel software tools for pattern recognition, multivariate analysis and standard reporting.
- The Automated Gating & Identification tool and the Compass tool in Infinicyt™ 2.0 allow automated analysis of samples and automatic reporting of results. These tools use the data within the EuroFlow™ databases to obtain an objective, consistent and expert-based analysis of samples.
A strong technical support team with the scientific-based knowledge and practical experience to implement Next Generation Flow™
What are the characteristics of NGF?
What are the characteristics of NGF?
- The laboratory workflow is standardized from sample preparation to data analysis as published in consensus guidelines by the EuroFlow™ consortium: www.euroflow.org.
- Validated SOPs are available as part of the EuroFlow™ NGF solution so no extra in-home validation needed.
- External validation available through the EuroFlow™ QA program.
- Unique combinations of fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies allow for a clear identification between aberrant phenotypes, normal and reactive patterns in the multidimensional space.
- Time for implementation is reduced, due to the extensive validation of all the panels performed by the EuroFlow™ consortium by using unbiased software algorithms to select the best markers and fluorochromes.
- Time- and cost-efficiency improvement: the use of kits reduces operational mistakes, pipetting time and inventory management requirements.
- All the reagents must pass a strict quality control that guarantees low variability between lots according to EuroFlow™ standards.
- The lyophilized format results in a reduced staining variability due to its prolonged stability.
- Each assay has pre-specified number of events to be collected in order to reach the required sensitivity.
