CD38, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD38, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD38 Marker, CD38 Immunophenotyping, CD38 CLL Prognostic Marker, CD38 Plasma Cell Marker |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate (collected in Sodium Heparin and EDTA tubes) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders, particularly those with suspected blood cancers or HIV |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What is a CD38, Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD38, flow cytometry test measures the expression of the CD38 protein on cells in a bone marrow sample. CD38 is a protein found on the surface of many immune cells and plays a role in immune communication. Doctors order this test to help diagnose and monitor blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and multiple myeloma, as well as conditions like HIV disease progression. It is also known as CD38 Immunophenotyping or the CD38 flow cytometry test.
What Does a CD38, Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
The CD38 flow cytometry test procedure analyses cells in a bone marrow sample to detect and quantify CD38 protein expression. Results are reported as percentage positivity and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). The key parameters assessed are listed below.
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| CD38 expression (% positive cells) | The proportion of cells in the sample that carry the CD38 protein on their surface |
| Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) | The strength or density of CD38 protein expression on those cells |
| CD38+/CD138+ plasma cell population | Confirms the presence of plasma cells, used in multiple myeloma assessment |
Why is a CD38, Flow Cytometry Test Done?
The CD38 flow cytometry test is a specialised haematology test. It is ordered when a doctor suspects a blood disorder or needs to track how a known condition is responding to treatment.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Unexplained fatigue or persistent tiredness
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Fever and night sweats without a clear cause
- Abnormal bruising or bleeding
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD38 flow cytometry test can assist in identifying several blood and immune conditions, including the following.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a cancer affecting white blood cells
- Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow
- T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL)
- Follicular lymphoma and other B-cell lymphomas
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), where blood cells fail to develop properly
- HIV disease progression, as elevated CD38 on immune cells is linked to a higher risk
CD38, Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with conditions such as CLL or multiple myeloma, this test may be repeated at regular intervals. It helps doctors track disease progression and assess how well a treatment is working. CD38 expression has been shown to remain stable over time in CLL patients, making it a reliable marker for ongoing monitoring.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the CD38, flow cytometry test, but there are a few practical steps that will help the process go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment. However, follow any additional instructions given by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure the sample is collected and processed correctly.
- 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 about all medications you are currently taking, especially immunosuppressive drugs or anti-CD38 therapies such as daratumumab
- Inform your doctor of any recent infections or ongoing treatments
- Follow any specific preparation instructions provided by your healthcare team
- Note that samples must be processed promptly after collection, so keep to your scheduled appointment time
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test requires a bone marrow aspirate, which is a sample taken directly from the bone marrow. Two separate tubes are collected at the same time. The steps below explain the process.
- A doctor or specialist nurse will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form.
- The skin over the collection site (usually the back of the hip bone) is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area.
- A thin needle is carefully inserted into the bone marrow cavity, and approximately 3 ml of bone marrow fluid is drawn into each collection tube (one Sodium Heparin tube and one EDTA tube).
- The needle is withdrawn, and a small dressing is applied to the site.
- The labelled samples are stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and sent to the laboratory promptly.
- In the lab, cells are stained with fluorescent antibodies that bind to the CD38 protein and analysed using a flow cytometer, which measures fluorescence to count CD38-expressing cells.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence your test results. Inform your doctor if any of the following apply to you.
- Current or recent use of anti-CD38 therapy (daratumumab), which can interfere with CD38 detection by flow cytometry
- Recent or ongoing chemotherapy, which may reduce CD38 expression on plasma cells
- Delayed or improper sample processing after collection
- Active infections, which can temporarily alter immune cell profiles
- An incomplete or absent clinical history submitted with the sample
Understanding Your CD38, Flow Cytometry Test Results
Results from the CD38 flow cytometry test are interpreted alongside your full clinical picture. The table below shows general reference cut-offs used in clinical practice.
| Parameter | Cut-off | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| CD38+ cells in CLL | Less than 20% | CD38-negative: generally associated with a more favourable clinical course |
| CD38+ cells in CLL | 20% or more | CD38-positive: associated with more advanced disease and a less favourable outlook |
| Plasma cell CD38 expression | High (CD38++) | Confirms plasma cell population; consistent with multiple myeloma assessment |
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 affect how results are read, as noted below.
- Anti-CD38 therapy: Patients receiving daratumumab may show false-negative CD38 results for several weeks after their last infusion, as the drug saturates and masks CD38 on cells.
- Chemotherapy: CD38 expression on plasma cells can fade after chemotherapy, which may affect how clearly the plasma cell population is identified.
- HIV infection: CD38 expression levels on CD8 T cells may vary depending on disease activity and whether the patient is receiving antiretroviral therapy.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While CD38 results are tied to specific medical conditions rather than everyday lifestyle factors, the following general habits support a healthy immune system.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Stay physically active and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Attend all scheduled medical reviews if you have a known blood disorder, and follow your treatment plan consistently
Lupin Diagnostics CD38, Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD38, 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 for this specialised test. City-wise pricing is listed below.
| 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.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD38 flow cytometry test measures how many cells in a sample express the CD38 protein. It is used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, multiple myeloma, and HIV disease progression. Your doctor will order it based on your symptoms and medical history.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. Simply follow any additional instructions your doctor provides.
This test uses a bone marrow aspirate. Two small samples of approximately 3 ml each are collected from the bone marrow, one into a Sodium Heparin tube and one into an EDTA tube.
In chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a CD38-positive result (20% or more of cells expressing CD38) is generally associated with a more advanced stage of disease and a less favourable clinical course. Your doctor will discuss what this means for your specific situation and management plan.
Yes. Anti-CD38 treatments such as daratumumab can interfere with CD38 flow cytometry test results by binding to the CD38 protein, making it harder to detect. This effect can persist for several weeks after the last dose. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before the test.
The collection site is numbed with a local anaesthetic before the procedure, so most patients feel pressure rather than sharp pain. There may be some soreness at the site for a day or two afterwards. Your medical team will guide you through what to expect.
The frequency depends on your condition and your doctor's advice. For patients with CLL or multiple myeloma, the test may be repeated at set intervals to track disease progression or assess treatment response. Your doctor will determine the right schedule for you.
CD38, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
