Collagenase digestion allows cells to be released into suspension from bone marrow tissue. Discrete abnormal populations of lymphoid cells can be identified by cell morphology and immunological phenotyping techniques. Viable cells are also available for chromosomal analysis. This technique makes cells available for analysis in cases of dry bone marrow taps and has a particular use in the investigation of bone marrow involvement by malignant lymphoma.
Keywords: Collagenase; bone marrow; lymphoma.