Cell surface antigen identification by a modified fluorescein immunosphere method

Fluorescein immunospheres may be used in an indirect technic to label lymphocyte cell surface antigens. Wright's counter-staining allows simultaneous identification of fine morphology and surface antigen properties. Studies designed to determine methods for separating cells with bound immunospheres from free immunospheres revealed that removal of unbound immunospheres by flotation over cold protein solution creates excessive numbers of false negatives. Glutaraldehyde cross-linking of the primary and secondary antibodies linking immunospheres to the lymphocyte stabilizes the complex. This modification of the fluorescein immunosphere method compares favorably with flow cytometry.