CD138 Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD138 Flow Cytometry Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Syndecan-1 Flow Cytometry, CD138 Plasma Cell Marker Test, CD138 Immunophenotyping |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders when plasma cell disorders are suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What Is a CD138 Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD138 flow cytometry test is a specialised laboratory test that identifies and analyses plasma cells in a bone marrow sample. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. The test uses a marker called CD138, also known as Syndecan-1, to detect whether these cells are normal or cancerous. Doctors prescribe this test when they suspect conditions such as multiple myeloma or other plasma cell disorders.
What Does a CD138 Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
This test uses the flow cytometry method to examine bone marrow cells and provide detailed information about plasma cell populations. The key parameters it analyses are listed below.
| Parameter | What It Assesses |
|---|---|
| CD138 (Syndecan-1) expression | Identifies the presence and proportion of plasma cells in the bone marrow |
| Plasma cell percentage | Measures the share of nucleated cells that are plasma cells |
| Light chain restriction | Detects whether plasma cells carry predominantly kappa or lambda antibody chains, which can indicate cancerous growth |
| Plasma cell immunophenotype | Determines whether detected plasma cells are normal or clonal (abnormal) |
Why Is a CD138 Flow Cytometry Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to investigate symptoms or blood findings that point to a possible plasma cell disorder. It helps confirm a diagnosis and, in some cases, track the progress of treatment.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several clinical signs can prompt a doctor to request a CD138 flow cytometry test. These include:
- Persistent bone pain, particularly in the back, chest, pelvis, or upper legs
- Unexplained fatigue and generalised weakness
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Nausea and vomiting without a clear cause
- Confusion or difficulty with concentration
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anaemia detected on a routine blood test
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test helps identify several plasma cell and related disorders. These include:
- Multiple myeloma (MM)
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a condition where abnormal proteins are found in the blood
- Smouldering multiple myeloma, an early-stage form of the condition
- Plasmacytoma, a single tumour made up of plasma cells
- Plasmacytoid lymphomas, a group of lymph node cancers with plasma cell features
- Waldenström macroglobulinaemia, a rare type of blood cancer
CD138 Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Once a patient has been treated for multiple myeloma, this test plays an important role in confirming whether remission has been achieved. It is typically repeated after treatment cycles, at remission confirmation, and during annual follow-up. Tracking the proportion of CD138-positive cells over time helps doctors assess how well a patient is responding to treatment and whether the disease is returning.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The CD138 flow cytometry test procedure involves a bone marrow sample collection, which is done in a clinical setting by a trained specialist. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of the procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure the procedure goes smoothly. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and treatment records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, particularly blood thinners or anticoagulants
- Disclose any bleeding disorders or clotting conditions to your doctor in advance
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, as the procedure involves accessing the hip bone area
- Arrange for someone to accompany you, as you may feel some discomfort after the procedure
Step-by-Step Procedure
The bone marrow sample for this test is collected in a clinical setting. Here is what typically happens:
- You will be asked to lie in a specific position to allow access to the posterior iliac crest (the hip bone), which is the most commonly used site.
- The skin and underlying tissue are cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort.
- A thin needle is carefully inserted into the bone, and a small liquid bone marrow sample (approximately 3 ml) is drawn out using a syringe.
- The sample is collected into sodium heparin and EDTA tubes and stored under refrigerated conditions for transport.
- The sample is delivered to the laboratory, where it is passed through a laser beam. Measurements taken during this process identify cell type, size, and internal features.
- The analysed data is reviewed by a specialist, and the report is prepared within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Delayed sample processing, which can alter the properties of cells and affect interpretation
- Improper anticoagulant use during collection
- Bone marrow aspiration diluted by peripheral blood, leading to variable cell counts
- Previous treatment with certain medications, particularly proteasome inhibitors or daratumumab
- Insufficient sample volume or poor sample cellularity
Understanding Your CD138 Flow Cytometry Test Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed by your treating doctor alongside your full clinical picture. The table below gives a general guide to reference ranges.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma cells in bone marrow (general reference) | 2% or fewer | % of nucleated cells |
| Plasma cells in normal aspirates | 0.14 to 0.30% (average 0.25%) | % of nucleated cells |
| Multiple myeloma diagnostic threshold | 10% or more clonal plasma cells | % in bone marrow |
Disclaimer: 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
Certain circumstances can influence how results are read. Your doctor will take the following into account:
- Patients on proteasome inhibitor therapy may show reduced CD138 expression on atypical plasma cells, which can affect the apparent cell count.
- Treatment with daratumumab may result in plasma cells that are negative for both CD138 and CD38, which can make detection more complex.
- Samples that are not processed promptly undergo changes that can alter cell markers, leading to results that are difficult to interpret accurately.
- Bone marrow samples diluted by peripheral blood during aspiration may show inconsistent plasma cell percentages.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While plasma cell disorders are not directly preventable through lifestyle alone, the following habits support general well-being:
- Attend regular health check-ups if you have known risk factors for plasma cell disorders, such as a personal or family history of MGUS.
- Report unexplained bone pain, fatigue, or frequent infections to your doctor without delay.
- Stay well hydrated to support kidney function, which can be affected by abnormal protein production.
Lupin Diagnostics CD138 Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD138 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 due to the nature of the bone marrow sample collection procedure.
| 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
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection by a trained specialist.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD138 flow cytometry test is used to identify and analyse plasma cells in bone marrow. It helps doctors diagnose conditions such as multiple myeloma, MGUS, and other plasma cell disorders. It is also used to monitor treatment response in patients already diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
A trained specialist inserts a thin needle into the hip bone (posterior iliac crest) under local anaesthesia. A small liquid sample of bone marrow is drawn out. The procedure is done in a clinical setting and typically takes a short time, though some discomfort may be felt afterwards.
No fasting is required before the CD138 flow cytometry test procedure. You can eat and drink as normal. However, you should inform your doctor about any medications you are taking before the procedure.
No. Because this test requires a bone marrow aspirate, it must be performed by a trained medical professional in a clinical setting under sterile conditions. Home collection is not available for this test.
The report is typically ready within 3 days of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. Complex cases may occasionally require additional time for specialist review.
A positive result indicates the presence of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Additional analysis, including light chain restriction data, is needed to determine whether these cells are normal or cancerous. Your doctor will interpret the findings in the context of your full clinical history.
Yes. Certain medications, particularly proteasome inhibitors and daratumumab, can reduce or alter CD138 expression on plasma cells. This may affect how results appear. Always share your complete treatment history with your doctor so that results can be interpreted accurately.
CD138 Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
