CD23, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD23, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD23 Marker Test, CD23 Immunophenotyping, FcεRII (Low-affinity IgE receptor), Leu-20, BLAST-2 |
| Sample Type | Bone Marrow |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders with suspected blood cancers (leukaemia or lymphoma) |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What is a CD23, Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD23, flow cytometry test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence and quantity of the CD23 protein on the surface of blood or bone marrow cells. Doctors prescribe this test when they suspect a blood cancer such as leukaemia or lymphoma. It is also known as the CD23 Marker Test or CD23 Immunophenotyping.
What Does a CD23, Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
This test analyses the CD23 antigen, a protein found on the surface of certain immune cells. Understanding its presence and intensity helps doctors classify blood cell disorders accurately.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD23 antigen expression | Whether the CD23 protein is present on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and at what level |
| Expression intensity | High or low intensity of CD23 helps distinguish between specific types of blood cancers |
| Cell population pattern | Whether the abnormal cells carry the CD19, CD5, and CD23 markers together, a pattern linked to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia |
Why Is a CD23, Flow Cytometry Test Done?
A doctor may order the CD23 flow cytometry test when a patient shows symptoms that suggest a problem with the blood or immune system. The test plays a key role in identifying and classifying blood cancers.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among those that may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever of unknown origin
- Enlarged spleen or liver, causing a feeling of fullness or abdominal discomfort
- Frequent infections
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD23 flow cytometry test can help identify several blood-related conditions, including:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): CD23 is a key marker for diagnosing CLL and distinguishing it from other blood cancers
- Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL): CD23 helps separate SLL from mantle cell lymphoma
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL): typically CD23-negative, which helps distinguish it from CLL and SLL
- Hairy cell leukaemia: usually CD23-negative
- Follicular lymphoma: shows variable CD23 expression
- Follicular dendritic cell tumours: CD23 acts as a diagnostic marker alongside CD21
CD23, Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test has an important role beyond initial diagnosis. In chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, the CD23 flow cytometry test can detect minimal residual disease (very small amounts of cancer cells remaining in the body after treatment). This helps doctors assess how well a treatment is working and guides decisions about ongoing care.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No major preparation is required for this test, but following a few simple steps ensures the sample is collected safely and processed accurately.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the CD23, flow cytometry test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few steps to follow before your visit:
- Bring a detailed clinical history file, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, including blood thinners or immunosuppressants
- Stay well-hydrated before your appointment
- Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the area from which the sample will be taken
Step-by-Step Procedure
- You arrive at the Lupin Diagnostics centre, where a trained healthcare professional reviews your clinical history.
- A bone marrow sample is collected. A doctor inserts a specialised needle into the hip bone under local anaesthesia to draw the sample into a sodium heparin (green-top) or an EDTA (lavender top) tube.
- The sample is stored at 2 to 8°C (refrigerated) and sent promptly to the laboratory, as fresh specimens give the most accurate results.
- In the laboratory, the sample is treated with specially tagged antibodies that attach to the CD23 protein on cell surfaces.
- The treated sample passes through a flow cytometer, where a laser beam analyses each cell individually.
- A computer processes the data and generates a report, which your doctor reviews alongside your clinical information.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect the reliability of results:
- Delay between collection and processing (samples should ideally be processed within 18 hours)
- Improper storage or transport conditions
- Clotted or insufficient sample volume
- Use of an incorrect anticoagulant tube
- Certain viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, can alter CD23 expression levels
Understanding Your CD23, Flow Cytometry Test Results
Results from this test are interpreted by a specialist in the context of the full clinical picture. The table below provides a general guide to what CD23 expression patterns may indicate.
| Finding | What It May Suggest |
|---|---|
| CD23-positive at high intensity (more than 92.5% positive cells or MFI above 44.5) | Consistent with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) |
| CD23-positive (triple positive for CD19, CD5, and CD23) | Characteristic pattern of CLL |
| CD23-negative or very low expression | May suggest mantle cell lymphoma, hairy cell leukaemia, or marginal zone lymphoma |
| Variable CD23 expression | May be seen in follicular lymphoma |
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 conditions can influence CD23 expression and should be considered when interpreting results. An Epstein-Barr virus infection can cause an increase in CD23 expression, which may affect how results are read. Memory B cells also show lower CD23 expression compared to follicular B cells, a difference that experienced specialists account for during analysis.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test does not have lifestyle-adjustable "normal" values in the way routine blood tests do, the following general habits support overall immune health:
- Maintain a balanced diet and a healthy body weight to support immune function
- Attend regular health check-ups, particularly if you have a family history of blood cancers
- Report persistent symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or night sweats to your doctor without delay
Lupin Diagnostics CD23, Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD23, flow cytometry test is priced starting at ₹2,300 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test due to the need for prompt, specialised sample handling.
| 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
- Select the CD23, flow cytometry test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD23, flow cytometry test is primarily used to identify and classify blood cancers, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). CD23 is one of the most reliable markers for distinguishing CLL from other similar blood cancers, such as mantle cell lymphoma.
A doctor inserts a specialised needle into the hip bone under local anaesthesia to draw a small bone marrow sample. The procedure is done at a diagnostic centre or hospital and takes only a few minutes. You may feel some pressure or brief discomfort during collection.
No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. Simply bring your clinical history and inform the doctor about any medications you are taking.
Reports for the CD23, flow cytometry test are typically ready within 3 days. In urgent or critical cases, your doctor may receive verbal communication about key findings sooner.
A CD23-positive result, especially when combined with CD19 and CD5 positivity, is a characteristic pattern seen in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. High intensity of CD23 expression further supports this diagnosis. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside other clinical and laboratory findings.
Yes, this is one of the primary uses of the CD23, flow cytometry test procedure. CLL cells are typically CD23-positive, while mantle cell lymphoma cells are usually CD23-negative. This distinction is important because the two conditions require different treatment approaches.
The CD23, flow cytometry test requires bone marrow sample collection, which must be performed by a trained doctor at a clinical centre. The sample also needs to be processed fresh, ideally within 18 hours, making home collection impractical.
CD23, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
