What is the primary limitation when utilizing optical scatter techniques?

The primary limitation when utilizing optical scatter techniques is that they often exhibit limited sensitivity in specific populations. Optical scatter techniques rely on the measurement of light that is scattered by cells as they pass through a laser beam. This scattering is influenced by several factors, including the size and granularity of the cells. Certain populations, especially those with characteristics like small size or low granularity, may not scatter light effectively enough to be detected accurately.

This limitation becomes particularly pronounced in samples that contain a heterogeneous mix of cell types, where cells with distinct properties may outshine those of lower abundance or different morphology. As a result, this can lead to challenges in identifying and quantifying specific cell types or abnormalities within a sample, making it difficult to achieve precise diagnostic results in all clinical scenarios.

Other options, while relevant concerns in the broader context of hematological analysis, do not specifically address the core issue of sensitivity limitations tied to the technique's dependence on how effectively cells scatter light. Therefore, the sensitivity restrictions specific to certain populations represent the most significant limitation of optical scatter techniques.