CD34, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD34, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD34 Stem Cell Enumeration, CD34 Count, CD34 Immunophenotyping, Haematopoietic Progenitor Cell Enumeration |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily for patients undergoing stem cell transplant evaluation, leukaemia diagnosis or monitoring, or bone marrow assessment |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What is a CD34, Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD34, flow cytometry test identifies and counts a specific type of immature blood cell called a CD34-positive (CD34+) cell. These cells are found in the bone marrow and are the early precursors that develop into all mature blood cells. The test uses a technique called flow cytometry, which passes cells through a laser beam to detect and measure specific surface proteins. It is prescribed by haematologists and oncologists to evaluate bone marrow health, plan stem cell transplants, and diagnose certain blood cancers.
What Does a CD34, Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
The CD34 flow cytometry test analyses bone marrow for three key pieces of information. The table below explains each parameter.
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| CD34+ cell identification | Confirms the presence of haematopoietic stem cells (early blood-forming cells) that carry the CD34 surface protein |
| Percentage of CD34+ cells | Shows what proportion of total white blood cells are CD34-positive, giving a picture of overall bone marrow health |
| Absolute CD34+ cell count | Gives the exact number of viable CD34+ cells per microlitre; used to calculate the correct dose for stem cell transplant products |
Why is a CD34, Flow Cytometry Test Done?
A doctor may order the CD34 flow cytometry test for a range of clinical reasons, from diagnosing blood disorders to planning a stem cell transplant.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Recurrent or unusual infections
- Unexplained joint pain or muscle cramps
- Chills or low-grade fever without a clear cause
- Dry mouth or signs of dehydration alongside other symptoms
- Abnormal results on a routine blood count
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying or monitoring the following conditions:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), where CD34 expression signals an immature state of cancerous cells
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells
- Aplastic anaemia, where the immune system attacks the bone marrow's stem cells
- Inadequate stem cell mobilisation before apheresis (a procedure to collect blood cells)
- Bone marrow failure or suppression
CD34, Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The CD34 flow cytometry test plays a useful role in tracking how leukaemia patients respond to treatment. Higher percentages of CD34+ cells in AML patients are associated with poorer treatment outcomes, making repeat testing an important part of disease management. The test is also used to assess bone marrow recovery after chemotherapy or stem cell therapy, with frequency determined by the treating doctor's protocol.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for the CD34 flow cytometry test is straightforward, though there are a few important points to keep in mind before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You may eat and drink normally before sample collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few simple steps to ensure accurate results:
- Bring a detailed clinical history file, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, as some drugs can affect CD34+ cell counts
- Avoid vigorous physical activity in the hours before your appointment
- Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the collection site
Step-by-Step Procedure
The CD34 flow cytometry test requires a bone marrow sample. Here is what to expect:
Bone Marrow Sample Collection
- A trained doctor will explain the procedure and ask you to lie in a comfortable position, usually on your side or stomach.
- The skin over the collection site (typically the hip bone) is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area.
- A specialised needle is gently inserted into the bone to withdraw a small bone marrow sample (approximately 3 ml), collected into two tubes: a sodium heparin (green top) tube and an EDTA (lavender top) tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small dressing is applied. Most people feel only brief pressure or mild discomfort.
- The samples are labelled and stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, then dispatched to the laboratory on the same day.
- In the laboratory, cells are stained with fluorescent antibodies and analysed using a flow cytometer. Results are prepared within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors can influence the reliability of your results:
- Delay in sample processing (bone marrow must be analysed promptly after collection)
- Improper storage temperature during transit
- Haemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells in the sample
- Medications such as G-CSF (a drug used to stimulate stem cell production), which can significantly raise CD34+ counts
- Prior chemotherapy, which may alter baseline cell counts
- Insufficient cell numbers acquired during analysis
Understanding Your CD34, Flow Cytometry Test Results
Your doctor will review your results in the context of your medical history and clinical condition. The table below provides general reference ranges for CD34+ cells.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| CD34+ cells (peripheral blood, baseline) | 0.01 to 0.05 | % |
| CD34+ cells (peripheral blood, absolute count) | 1 to 15 | cells/µL |
| CD34+ cells (median in healthy adults) | 11 cells (typical range 2 to 20) | cells/µL |
| CD34+ cells (post-mobilisation with G-CSF) | 20 to 100+ | 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 meaningfully alter CD34+ counts, and your doctor will account for these when reviewing your report.
Patients receiving G-CSF (a drug used to stimulate stem cell release) typically show a significant rise in CD34+ cells, with mean values reaching approximately 90 cells/µL by day five of treatment. This is an expected response, not a cause for concern.
Patients who have received prior chemotherapy for conditions such as multiple myeloma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may have altered baseline CD34+ counts, which can affect the interpretation of mobilisation results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While CD34+ levels are largely a reflection of underlying bone marrow function, these general tips support overall bone marrow health:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, folate, and vitamin B12 to support healthy blood cell production
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals, radiation, or environmental toxins known to affect bone marrow
- Follow your treating doctor's advice closely if you have a diagnosed blood disorder or are undergoing treatment
Lupin Diagnostics CD34, Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD34 flow cytometry test is priced starting at ₹2,300 at Lupin Diagnostics. 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 and processing requirements.
| 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 the CD34 flow cytometry test 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 sample collection by a trained medical professional.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD34 flow cytometry test is used to count haematopoietic stem cells (early blood-forming cells) in a bone marrow sample. It helps doctors plan stem cell transplants, diagnose blood cancers such as leukaemia, and track how patients respond to treatment.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. If you are having additional tests on the same day, check with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
For this specific test at Lupin Diagnostics, bone marrow is the required sample type. Bone marrow provides a direct measure of CD34+ stem cell populations at the source, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and transplant planning.
A high CD34+ count can indicate conditions such as leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, or successful stem cell mobilisation following G-CSF treatment. An elevated count should always be interpreted by a haematologist alongside other clinical findings.
A low count may suggest aplastic anaemia, bone marrow failure, or poor stem cell mobilisation. In the context of stem cell transplantation, a count below the recommended threshold may indicate that additional mobilisation steps are needed before collection.
A minimum dose of 2 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells per kilogram of the recipient's body weight is generally recommended to support adequate engraftment. Doses above 5 × 10⁶ cells per kilogram are associated with faster engraftment. Your transplant team will guide you on the target dose for your specific case.
Results are typically available within 3 days of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
CD34, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
