CD117 Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD117 Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | c-Kit Flow Cytometry, CD117 (c-Kit) Marker Test, Stem Cell Factor Receptor Flow Cytometry, CD117 Immunophenotyping |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages; primarily adults |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What Is a CD117 Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD117 flow cytometry test identifies and measures the expression of the CD117 protein on cells in a bone marrow sample. CD117, also called c-Kit or the stem cell factor receptor, is a protein found on the surface of blood-forming stem cells and certain immune cells called mast cells. Doctors order this test when they suspect blood cancers, mast cell disorders, or other conditions involving abnormal cell growth. It is also known as c-Kit Flow Cytometry or CD117 Immunophenotyping.
What Does a CD117 Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
This test uses a technique called flow cytometry to identify specific proteins on the surface of cells in a bone marrow sample. Here is what it analyses:
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD117 expression on myeloblasts | Identifies immature blood cells carrying the CD117 marker; levels above 10% may suggest myeloid leukaemia |
| CD117 on plasma cells | Normal plasma cells do not carry CD117; its presence can be linked to multiple myeloma |
| CD117 on bone marrow cells overall | Checks which cell types carry the marker, helping classify blood and immune cell disorders |
| Percentage of CD117-positive cells | Measures the proportion of cells in the sample that express CD117, giving a clear picture of abnormal cell populations |
Why Is a CD117 Flow Cytometry Test Done?
Doctors request the CD117 flow cytometry test when a patient shows signs of a blood disorder or when results from other tests point to an abnormality in the bone marrow. It plays a key role in diagnosing and classifying blood cancers.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may suggest this test if you experience any of the following:
- Unexplained and persistent fatigue
- Recurrent or unusual infections
- Unusual bruising or bleeding without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal discomfort or swelling
- Skin rashes such as urticaria pigmentosa (raised, itchy skin patches)
- Flushing episodes (sudden redness and warmth in the face and body)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD117 flow cytometry test can assist in identifying or ruling out a range of blood and immune cell disorders, including:
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a cancer of immature blood cells
- Systemic mastocytosis, a condition where too many mast cells accumulate in the bone marrow and other organs
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), which are strongly CD117-positive in most cases
- Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells (antibody-producing blood cells)
- Myelodysplastic syndromes, conditions where the bone marrow does not produce healthy blood cells normally
- Relapsed acute leukaemias, where the cancer has returned after treatment
CD117 Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test is used to monitor how well treatment is working in patients already diagnosed with conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes. In acute myeloid leukaemia, tracking CD117-positive cells over time helps detect minimal residual disease, which refers to small numbers of cancer cells that remain after treatment. Your haematologist or oncologist will advise on how often this monitoring is needed.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The CD117 flow cytometry test procedure is straightforward, and very little preparation is needed on your part.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Always follow any additional instructions your doctor provides.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Please keep the following points in mind before attending your appointment:
- 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 about all medications you are taking, particularly chemotherapy drugs or immunosuppressive agents
- Disclose any pre-existing conditions, especially blood disorders or cancers
- Arrive at the laboratory at your scheduled time, as bone marrow samples must be processed promptly
Step-by-Step Procedure
The CD117 flow cytometry test procedure for bone marrow sample collection follows these steps:
- You will be asked to lie still in a comfortable position. A doctor or trained specialist will clean and numb the skin over the bone marrow collection site, usually the hip bone.
- A specialised needle is used to withdraw approximately 3 ml of bone marrow aspirate. The sample is collected into both a sodium heparin tube (green top) and an EDTA tube (lavender top).
- The collected samples are labelled immediately and stored at refrigerated temperatures (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) to preserve cell quality.
- In the laboratory, the sample is treated with fluorescent antibodies that bind specifically to the CD117 protein on cell surfaces.
- The sample is then processed using a stain-lyse-wash method, which removes red blood cells and prepares the remaining cells for analysis.
- A flow cytometer scans each cell, detects fluorescent signals, and generates a report. A haematopathologist (a specialist in blood diseases) then interprets the findings.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Delayed sample processing (samples should ideally be analysed within 48 hours of collection)
- Use of an incorrect collection tube or anticoagulant
- Insufficient sample volume
- Improper refrigerated storage during transport
- Prior chemotherapy, which may alter CD117 expression patterns on cells
- Genetic mutations that can cause the CD117 protein to be overexpressed
Understanding Your CD117 Flow Cytometry Test Results
Your results will be interpreted by a specialist alongside your clinical history, symptoms, and other test findings. The table below outlines general reference values for CD117 expression.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Significance of Abnormal Values |
|---|---|---|
| CD117 on myeloblasts | Less than 10% positive cells | Above 10% may indicate myeloid leukaemia |
| CD117 on plasma cells | Negative (0%) | Presence noted in approximately 30 to 40% of multiple myeloma patients |
| CD117 on bone marrow cells broadly | Present only on haematopoietic stem cells and mast cells | Expression on other cell types warrants further investigation |
| CD15+CD117+ cell percentage in bone marrow | 0.1 to 0.8% | Higher values may indicate abnormal myeloid cell accumulation |
"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
Some circumstances can influence how results are interpreted:
Certain medications, including targeted therapies and immunosuppressive drugs, may affect the level of CD117 expression on cells. Samples that have been delayed in transit or stored incorrectly may show altered cell markers, affecting accuracy. Your doctor will take these possibilities into account when reviewing your results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips support overall blood health during and after any treatment:
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your haematologist or oncologist as scheduled
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, such as unexplained fatigue, fever, or increased bruising, to your doctor promptly
- Follow prescribed treatment plans as directed and avoid stopping any medication without medical advice
Lupin Diagnostics CD117 Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD117 flow cytometry test starts at ₹2,300 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for this specialised test. City-wise pricing details are listed below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2300 |
| CHENNAI | 2300 |
| HYDERABAD | 2300 |
| KOLKATA | 2300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2300 |
| PUNE | 2300 |
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 CD117 flow cytometry test online at Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for bone marrow sample collection by a trained specialist.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days of sample collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
CD117, also called c-Kit, is a receptor protein found on the surface of blood-forming stem cells and mast cells. The CD117 flow cytometry test measures how many cells in the sample carry this protein. It helps doctors diagnose conditions such as acute myeloid leukaemia and mast cell disorders, and can also assist in monitoring treatment response.
No special preparation is needed before the CD117 flow cytometry test. You do not need to fast. However, you must bring your clinical history, including previous test results and details of your symptoms, as this is required for the test.
At Lupin Diagnostics, this test uses a bone marrow aspirate, collected in sodium heparin and EDTA tubes. Bone marrow is taken from a site such as the hip bone by a trained specialist under local anaesthesia.
The report for the CD117 flow cytometry test is typically ready within 3 days of sample collection. This allows time for complete cell analysis and interpretation by a haematopathologist.
A positive result means that a higher-than-expected number of cells in the sample are expressing the CD117 protein. This can be associated with conditions such as acute myeloid leukaemia, systemic mastocytosis, or gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Your doctor will review the result alongside other clinical information before drawing any conclusions.
No, the CD117 flow cytometry test home collection option is not available. This test requires specialised laboratory equipment, and the bone marrow sample must be processed promptly under controlled conditions to ensure accurate results.
Yes, this test is used to track how well treatment is working in patients diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes. It is particularly useful for detecting minimal residual disease, which refers to very small numbers of remaining cancer cells after treatment. Your oncologist will advise on the appropriate testing schedule.
CD117 Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
