CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD20+ B-cell count, CD20 flow cytometry, B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 test, Pan-B cell marker |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (EDTA) or bone marrow (EDTA or sodium heparin) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What is a CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) Test?
The CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) test measures the percentage and absolute number of B cells carrying the CD20 protein in your blood or bone marrow. CD20 is a marker found on the surface of B cells, which are white blood cells that form a key part of your immune system. Doctors prescribe this test to investigate immune disorders, certain blood cancers, and to monitor treatment with therapies that target B cells. It is also known as the CD20 flow cytometry test or CD20+ B-cell count.
What Does a CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) Test Measure?
This test uses a technique called flow cytometry to identify and count B cells that carry the CD20 protein. Two values are reported for each sample.
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| CD20+ B cells (% of lymphocytes) | The share of B cells expressing CD20 within the total lymphocyte population |
| CD20+ B cells (Absolute count) | The actual number of CD20-positive B cells per microlitre of blood |
Both values together give a clear picture of B-cell numbers and help distinguish between a reduction caused by treatment and one caused by an underlying condition.
Why is a CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to assess how well the immune system's B-cell compartment is functioning.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Frequent or recurring infections that do not resolve easily
- Unexplained fatigue lasting several weeks
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Recurrent fevers without a clear cause
- Drenching night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Prolonged illness that does not respond to standard treatment
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may order the CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count test to investigate or confirm several conditions:
- Primary humoral immunodeficiencies, where the body cannot produce enough antibodies
- B-cell lymphomas such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
- Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and membranous glomerulonephritis (a form of kidney inflammation)
- CD20 deficiency, a rare genetic condition where B cells develop normally but cannot mount an adequate antibody response, especially after vaccination
- Assessment of B-cell depletion during treatment for malignancies or following organ transplantation
CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Monoclonal antibody therapies such as rituximab work by targeting and depleting B cells that carry the CD20 marker. After treatment, doctors use this test to confirm that B-cell depletion has occurred and to track when B cells begin to recover. B-cell depletion following rituximab therapy typically lasts between 6 and 12 months, and serial testing at scheduled intervals helps guide decisions about further treatment in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, B-cell lymphomas, and multiple sclerosis.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
There is very little preparation required for this test. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your test. There are no restrictions on water consumption.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep these points in mind to help ensure an accurate result:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Tell your doctor or the phlebotomist about all medications and supplements you are taking, particularly any that suppress the immune system.
- If you are receiving anti-CD20 therapy such as rituximab, inform the laboratory in advance, as this directly affects how your result is interpreted.
- When this test is being used to monitor B-cell levels over time, try to have your blood drawn at the same time of day on each occasion, as B-cell counts can vary across the day.
- Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before sample collection.
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test requires either a blood sample, a bone marrow sample, or both, depending on your doctor's instructions. The steps below cover each collection type.
Blood Sample Collection
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on the inside of your elbow with an antiseptic.
- A small blood sample of about 3 ml is drawn into a lavender-top EDTA tube (a tube containing a preservative to prevent clotting).
- The tube is gently inverted several times immediately after collection to mix the blood with the preservative.
- The sample is labelled and packaged for transport to the laboratory under refrigerated conditions (2 to 8 degrees Celsius).
- For best results, the sample is processed within 18 hours of collection, and no later than 36 hours.
Bone Marrow Sample Collection
- This procedure is performed at a clinical centre by a specialist doctor.
- The skin over the collection site (usually the hip bone) is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area.
- A small amount of bone marrow fluid (3 ml) is drawn using a special needle into either an EDTA or sodium heparin tube.
- The sample is labelled, stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, and dispatched promptly to the laboratory.
- Your doctor will advise you on aftercare for the collection site.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count test results:
- Active infections or recent vaccinations, which can temporarily alter lymphocyte levels
- Immunosuppressive medications, including anti-CD20 therapies
- The time of day the sample is collected, as B-cell counts show natural variation across the day and across seasons
- Delay between sample collection and laboratory processing
- Haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells in the sample during transport)
Understanding Your CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) Test Results
Your result report will show two values: a percentage and an absolute count. The table below provides general reference ranges. Paediatric values are higher and decrease with age.
| Parameter | Reference Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| CD20+ B cells (% of lymphocytes, adults) | 5 to 22.3% (median 14%) | % |
| CD20+ B cells (Absolute count, adults) | 74 to 442 | cells/µL |
| CD20+ B cells (Children, 1 year) | 17.5 to 39.5% (773 to 1,990 absolute) | % / cells/µL |
| CD20+ B cells (Children, 11 to 18 years) | 7.1 to 23.8% (163 to 600 absolute) | % / cells/µL |
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 situations can affect how your results should be read.
Patients receiving anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapies such as rituximab or ofatumumab may show very low or undetectable CD20 levels even when B cells are present. This is because these medications bind to the CD20 receptor, preventing the laboratory test from detecting it. In this case, the CD19 marker is used alongside CD20 to give a fuller picture of B-cell depletion.
B-cell counts also vary in healthy individuals due to minor immune activity from infections, recent vaccinations, time of day, and seasonal changes. Single readings should therefore always be considered in the context of your clinical history and any previous results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness habits that support overall immune health:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune function.
- Get sufficient sleep and practise stress management, as both fatigue and chronic stress can affect immune cell levels.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake, as both are associated with reduced immune function over time.
Lupin Diagnostics CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) Test Price and Home Collection
The CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) test is priced at ₹2,300 at Lupin Diagnostics, and home sample collection is available for the blood sample component. The city-wise price guide below is provided for reference.
| 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 CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist (only for blood sample), or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days of sample collection.
Home Collection
The CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count test home collection service is available across cities, allowing a certified phlebotomist to collect your blood sample at a time that suits you. If your doctor has prescribed a bone marrow test, it will have to be done at a clinic or diagnostic centre under a specialist's supervision. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratories. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test measures the percentage and total number of B cells that carry the CD20 protein. Doctors use it to investigate immune deficiencies, diagnose or stage certain blood cancers such as B-cell lymphomas, and monitor the effectiveness of B-cell-targeting treatments.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as usual before your appointment. There are no dietary restrictions associated with this test.
Clinical history is required to interpret your results accurately. Factors such as medications, recent infections, vaccinations, and previous test results all affect how B-cell counts should be understood. Bringing this information ensures your results are read in the right context.
The blood draw itself takes only a few minutes. If a bone marrow sample is also required, the procedure takes longer and is performed at a clinical centre by a specialist. Your report will be ready within 3 days of sample collection.
If both CD20 and CD19 markers are absent and you are not receiving anti-CD20 treatment, this may indicate an underlying primary immunodeficiency, meaning the body is not producing enough mature B cells. Your doctor will review your full clinical picture before drawing any conclusions.
Yes. You can complete the CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count test online booking through the Lupin Diagnostics website and arrange for a phlebotomist to collect your blood sample at home. If your doctor has also requested a bone marrow sample, that part of the test requires a centre visit.
Both tests measure B-cell numbers, but they target different proteins on the B-cell surface. CD20 and CD19 are often ordered together because CD19 remains detectable when anti-CD20 therapy masks the CD20 marker. Using both markers gives a more complete picture of B-cell numbers, particularly in patients receiving rituximab.
CD20 Positive B-lymphocyte Count (% and Absolute) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
