China's first-ever demonstration and training center for the clinical application of flow cytometry, a technique used to test the immunity of children, was inaugurated at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai on Wednesday. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China's first-ever demonstration and training center for the clinical application of flow cytometry, a technique used to test the immunity of children, was inaugurated at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai on Wednesday.

Many children are affected by repeat infections and allergies owing to immune system impairment, according to Wang Xiaochuan, director of the hospital's immunology department.

"There are at least 300 types of rare diseases caused by dysfunction of the immune system among children," Wang said.

Flow cytometry can assist doctors in the diagnosis of disease and help them find the best therapy.

"But analysis of the test results involves multiple parameters and currently the capabilities of doctors in interpreting these results vary, which may affect the diagnosis," said Huang Guoying, head of the hospital.

The program, supported by Becton, Dickinson and Co, a United States-based medical technology company, aims to train professionals in the clinical application of flow cytometry and give regular training courses, including theory learning and practice, to hundreds of doctors over the next three years.