Which technique is NOT typically used to identify myeloma cells?

The technique that is not typically used to identify myeloma cells is MRI scans. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is primarily utilized for imaging soft tissues and providing detailed visualizations of structural anatomy. While it can be instrumental in assessing bone lesions and soft tissue involvement in cases of multiple myeloma, it does not identify myeloma cells at the cellular or molecular level.

In contrast, immunohistochemistry, cytology stains, and flow cytometry are all techniques that focus specifically on cellular characteristics. Immunohistochemistry utilizes antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissue sections, allowing for the identification of myeloma cells via their unique surface markers. Cytology stains help highlight cells from a sample, making it possible to directly visualize and identify abnormal cells, including myeloma cells, under a microscope. Flow cytometry provides a quantitative analysis, allowing for the identification of specific cell populations based on their surface markers and characteristics. These techniques are essential for diagnosing and monitoring multiple myeloma, making them integral to the pathology practice.