CD103, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD103, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD103 Immunophenotyping, Integrin Alpha E (ITGAE) Flow Cytometry, Hairy Cell Marker |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders, particularly those with suspected blood cancers |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What is a CD103, Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD103, flow cytometry test detects the presence and quantity of a protein called CD103 (also known as Integrin Alpha E or ITGAE) on the surface of cells. This protein is found on certain immune cells and can signal specific blood disorders when expressed abnormally. A doctor may order this test when a patient shows signs of a blood cancer or lymphoproliferative disorder, a condition involving abnormal growth of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The sample used for this test is a bone marrow aspirate, analysed using flow cytometry, a technique that measures cell characteristics rapidly and accurately.
What Does a CD103, Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
This test identifies how many cells in the sample carry the CD103 protein on their surface and on which cell types this expression occurs. The result helps doctors distinguish between different blood conditions.
The key marker assessed in this test is described below:
| Marker | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD103 (Integrin Alpha E) | A protein normally found on fewer than 2% of circulating blood cells; abnormal expression on B-cells points to specific blood cancers |
Under healthy conditions, CD103 is primarily expressed on immune cells lining the gut and lungs. When it appears on B-cells (a type of white blood cell not normally associated with this marker), it becomes a diagnostically significant finding.
Why is a CD103, Flow Cytometry Test Done?
Doctors order the CD103 flow cytometry test when symptoms or earlier test results suggest a possible blood disorder. Here is a breakdown of when and why this test is used.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue and weakness
- Recurrent infections that do not resolve easily
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss over a short period
- Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen
- An enlarged spleen, often felt as pain or heaviness on the left side of the abdomen
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify the following conditions:
- Hairy cell leukaemia (HCL): A type of slow-growing blood cancer where CD103 is a characteristic marker
- Hairy cell leukaemia variant (HCL-v): A rarer form that is also CD103-positive
- Certain types of T-cell and B-cell lymphomas
- Autoimmune conditions affecting lymphocyte populations
- Suspected transplant rejection in selected cases
This test is also useful in ruling out conditions such as mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, and splenic marginal zone lymphoma, as CD103 is typically negative in all of these.
CD103, Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in ongoing patient care beyond initial diagnosis. For patients diagnosed with hairy cell leukaemia undergoing treatment, the CD103 flow cytometry test can help track how well treatment is working and detect any signs of relapse. The frequency of repeat testing depends on the patient's condition and the treating doctor's recommendation.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for the CD103, flow cytometry test is straightforward, but there are a few important steps to keep in mind before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. There are no dietary restrictions to follow. You may eat and drink normally on the day of your test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few steps to take before your visit:
- Bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor or the laboratory about all medications you are currently taking, including any immunosuppressive drugs or recent chemotherapy
- Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the arm or relevant site for sample collection
- Stay well hydrated on the day of the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Since this test requires a bone marrow sample, the collection is performed by a trained medical professional at the centre. Here is what to expect:
- You will be asked to lie in a specific position to allow access to the bone marrow, usually at the hip bone (posterior iliac crest).
- The area is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the skin and tissue around the collection site.
- A special needle is used to draw a small amount of bone marrow (approximately 3 ml) into a sodium heparin (green top) tube and a separate EDTA (lavender top) tube.
- Once the sample is collected, a small dressing is applied to the site.
- The samples are labelled, stored under refrigeration (2 to 8 degrees Celsius), and dispatched to the laboratory for flow cytometry analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the quality or reliability of your test results:
- Delay in processing: Samples must be analysed within 48 hours of collection
- Poor cell viability due to improper storage or transport temperatures
- Use of incorrect collection tubes or anticoagulants
- Immunosuppressive medications or recent chemotherapy, which can alter lymphocyte populations
- Inadequate sample volume or low cell count in the aspirate
Understanding Your CD103, Flow Cytometry Test Results
Your results will be interpreted by a haematopathologist (a doctor who specialises in blood disorders) in the context of your clinical history and other laboratory findings. The table below shows the general reference range for this marker.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| CD103 expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes | Less than 2% of circulating lymphocytes | % positive cells |
Results are typically reported as "Positive" or "Negative" for CD103 expression on the cell population analysed, along with the percentage of cells expressing this marker.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
A few circumstances can affect how results are interpreted:
Samples received and processed after 48 hours of collection may yield limited or altered results, as leucocyte and lymphocyte subset percentages can change over time. Recent treatment with immunosuppressive medicines or chemotherapy may also reduce certain lymphocyte populations, making results harder to interpret without a full clinical context.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is specific to a clinical situation, here are some general tips for anyone with a history of blood disorders:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and do not skip routine blood checks recommended by your doctor
- Report any new or returning symptoms, such as prolonged fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or frequent infections, to your doctor without delay
- Follow your doctor's monitoring schedule if you have been diagnosed with a haematological condition
Lupin Diagnostics CD103, Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD103, flow cytometry test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,300. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for bone marrow aspirate samples.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2300 |
| CHENNAI | 2300 |
| HYDERABAD | 2300 |
| KOLKATA | 2300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2300 |
| PUNE | 2300 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your CD103, flow cytometry test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to have a sample collected by a trained healthcare professional.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD103 flow cytometry test is primarily used to help diagnose hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), a rare and slow-growing type of blood cancer. It is also used to distinguish HCL from other blood disorders that may look similar on routine tests. The result helps doctors make a more precise diagnosis and plan the right course of care.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. There are no dietary restrictions associated with this test.
This test uses a bone marrow aspirate, collected by a trained medical professional at a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Two small samples of approximately 3 ml each are drawn — one into a sodium heparin tube and one into an EDTA tube. The CD103 flow cytometry test procedure cannot be performed on a home-collected sample.
No. The CD103 flow cytometry test is specific to conditions where the CD103 marker is clinically relevant, most notably hairy cell leukaemia. Different types of blood cancers require different markers and tests. Your doctor will decide which tests are appropriate based on your symptoms and initial findings.
Results from Lupin Diagnostics are typically available within 3 days. The analysis involves detailed flow cytometry and expert interpretation, which takes time to ensure accuracy.
Flow cytometry results are not interpreted in isolation. The CD103 marker means different things in different clinical situations. Providing a detailed clinical history — including symptoms, prior test results, and current medications — allows the laboratory to analyse and report results accurately in context.
For suspected hairy cell leukaemia, CD103 is usually assessed alongside other markers such as CD20, CD11c, CD25, and CD123 as part of a broader immunophenotyping panel. Your doctor will advise which combination of markers is appropriate for your specific situation.
CD103, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
