Phenotypic analysis of lymphoproliferative disorders is now considered mandatory for accurate classification which is the basis for optimum patient management. This is presently carried out in most cases using a range of antibodies recognizing B and T-cell antigens effective in paraffin sections, and an antibody to CD 3 is currently a key member of such panels, indicating T-cell phenotype. Current antibodies to CD3 are polyclonal with the inherent disadvantages of this type of reagent compared to monoclonal antibodies. In this study, we have used a recombinant fusion protein representing part of the epsilon subunit of the CD3 molecule to generate a novel monoclonal antibody (NCL-CD3-PS1) effective in paraffin sections. The antibody has been characterized biochemically and by immunohistochemistry using a wide range of normal and pathological tissues. Lineage and phenotype specificity have been supported in our study and results from other laboratories are awaited with interest.