CD33, Flowcytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD33, Flowcytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Siglec-3, CD33 Myeloid Cell Marker, CD33 Antigen, CD33 Immunophenotyping |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow (collected in sodium heparin and EDTA tubes) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; primarily for those with suspected blood cancers |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What is a CD33, Flowcytometry Test?
The CD33, flow cytometry test detects and measures the CD33 protein on the surface of cells in a bone marrow sample. CD33 is a marker found on myeloid cells, a type of white blood cell involved in the immune system. Doctors order this test when they suspect a blood cancer or need to monitor a known blood disorder. It is also known as CD33 Immunophenotyping or the Siglec-3 test.
What Does a CD33, Flowcytometry Test Measure?
This test analyses bone marrow cells for specific features related to CD33 expression. The key measurements include the following:
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD33 expression (percentage) | The proportion of cells in the sample that carry the CD33 protein on their surface |
| CD33 molecules per cell | The quantity of CD33 protein present on each cell |
| Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) | How strongly CD33 is expressed on cells, indicating the amount of protein present |
Why is a CD33, Flowcytometry Test Done?
This test is requested by doctors when a patient shows signs of a blood disorder or when ongoing monitoring is needed. The sections below outline the common reasons.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Doctors may recommend a CD33 flow cytometry test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Unexplained or recurring fever
- Frequent infections that do not resolve easily
- Easy bruising or excessive bleeding
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches with no apparent cause
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD33, flow cytometry test procedure helps identify or investigate several blood-related conditions, including:
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML): around 85 to 90% of AML cases in adults and children are CD33-positive
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): a small number of B-cell ALL cases may express CD33
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): diseases that affect blood cell production in the bone marrow
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML): a blood cancer with features of both MDS and related disorders
- Myeloid sarcoma: a collection of AML cells in tissues outside the bone marrow
CD33, Flowcytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with AML or related conditions, this test plays an important role in tracking how well the given treatment is working. It can detect minimal residual disease (MRD), which refers to small numbers of leukaemic cells remaining after treatment. The frequency of repeat testing depends on the treatment plan set by your specialist.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for this test, but a few practical steps will help the process go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You may continue your regular diet and daily activities unless your doctor gives you specific instructions otherwise.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure an accurate and comfortable experience:
- Bring a detailed clinical history file, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or ongoing treatments you are taking
- Wear comfortable clothing with loose sleeves that are easy to roll up
- Stay well hydrated before your appointment
- Arrive at the centre on time for your scheduled slot
Step-by-Step Procedure
Bone marrow sample collection for the CD33 flow cytometry test procedure involves the following steps:
- You will be taken to a procedure area where a trained specialist will clean and numb the skin over the bone marrow collection site, usually the back of the hip bone.
- A needle is carefully inserted to draw approximately 3 ml of bone marrow into each of two specially labelled tubes: a sodium heparin (green cap) tube and an EDTA (lavender cap) tube.
- The sample is labelled with your details and stored at a refrigerated temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius for transport.
- In the laboratory, the sample is treated with special antibody-tagged markers that bind to the CD33 protein on cell surfaces.
- The prepared sample passes through a flow cytometry machine, which uses laser beams to detect and count CD33-positive cells and measure the intensity of their expression.
- Results are analysed by a specialist, and your report is prepared within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your test results:
- Delay in processing the sample beyond the recommended time window
- Improper anticoagulation or sample handling during collection
- Certain ongoing medications or therapies that alter cell surface markers
- Genetic variations affecting natural CD33 expression levels
- Active infections or inflammatory conditions at the time of sample collection
Understanding Your CD33, Flowcytometry Test Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed by your doctor alongside your clinical history. The table below shows general reference values for CD33 expression.
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| CD33 molecules per cell (normal bone marrow) | 800 to 5,100 molecules per cell |
| CD33 expression on myeloid cells | Present on monocytes and granulocyte precursors (qualitative) |
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 alter how results are interpreted:
- NPM1 gene mutation: Patients with this mutation in AML tend to show significantly higher CD33 expression compared to those without the mutation.
- Bone marrow versus blood: CD33 expression is generally stronger in bone marrow samples than in peripheral blood, which affects how results are compared across sample types.
- Natural killer (NK) cells: These immune cells can express CD33 and may occasionally complicate the detection of minimal residual disease.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips support overall blood health and immune function:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments, especially if you are undergoing treatment for a blood disorder
- Speak with your haematologist or oncologist promptly if you notice any new or worsening symptoms
- Maintain a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular physical activity to support general immune health
Lupin Diagnostics CD33, Flowcytometry Test Price
The CD33, 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 specialised nature of bone marrow sample collection.
| 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 for your CD33 flow cytometry test online booking:
- Select the CD33, Flowcytometry 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
This test helps doctors identify abnormal levels of CD33-expressing cells in the bone marrow, which can indicate blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia. It is also used to monitor how well a patient is responding to treatment and to detect any remaining leukaemic cells after therapy.
No specific preparation is needed before the CD33, flow cytometry test. You may eat and drink normally unless your doctor advises otherwise. Do bring your clinical history and a list of current medications to the appointment.
A bone marrow sample is collected and drawn into two separate tubes for this test. The sample is collected by a trained specialist at a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as this procedure requires clinical facilities that are not available at home.
Bone marrow aspiration is a routine clinical procedure, but mild discomfort, bruising, or temporary soreness at the collection site is possible. Serious complications are uncommon. Your doctor will explain what to expect before the procedure.
Your CD33 flow cytometry test report is typically ready within 3 days of sample collection. You will receive it digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Abnormal results should be discussed with a haematologist (a blood disorder specialist) or an oncologist. These doctors are best placed to interpret the findings in the context of your full medical history and recommend the appropriate next steps.
CD33 is a target for certain therapies used in acute myeloid leukaemia. Knowing the level of CD33 expression on leukaemic cells helps doctors assess whether a patient may benefit from treatments that specifically target this protein. Your specialist will advise you on what the results mean for your individual treatment plan.
CD33, Flowcytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
