A study comparing microvolume fluorimetry (MVF) to flow cytometry (FC) for quantitation of hematopoietic cells was published in August 1997 (Read et al., J Hematotherapy 1997; 6:291'301). This study demonstrated the potential utility of the MVF method as a simpler, more rapid alternative to standard FC methods for product quality control and for clinical decision-making about the timing and duration of stem cell apheresis. Over the past year, plans were made to evaluate the final clinical CD34 assay configuration in a clinical trial. However, device malfunction led to postponement of this study until FY '99.
