Home TestCd45 Flow Cytometry Test

CD45, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results

About CD45, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results

Field	Value
Also Known As	CD45/LCA (Leukocyte Common Antigen) Flow Cytometry, LCA Immunophenotyping, CD45 Immunophenotyping
Sample Type	Bone marrow (sodium heparin and EDTA tubes)
Fasting Required	No fasting required
Report Time	3 days
Recommended For	All genders and age groups when a blood cancer or haematological disorder is suspected
Price	Starting at ₹2,300

What is a CD45, Flow Cytometry Test?

The CD45, flow cytometry test is a specialised laboratory test that detects and measures the CD45 protein on the surface of blood-forming cells. CD45, also called Leukocyte Common Antigen (LCA), is found on virtually all white blood cells. Doctors order this test when they suspect leukaemia, lymphoma, or another blood disorder. A bone marrow sample is collected and analysed using a technique called flow cytometry, which sorts and counts cells based on their surface markers.

What Does a CD45, Flow Cytometry Test Measure?

The CD45 flow cytometry test evaluates specific features of blood cells to help identify abnormal populations. Here are the key things it assesses:

Parameter	What It Tells Us
CD45 Expression	Confirms whether cells are of blood-forming (haematopoietic) origin
CD45 Intensity	Distinguishes cell types; lymphocytes show bright CD45, while blast cells (immature abnormal cells) show dim or negative CD45
Immune Cell Subpopulations	When used alongside markers such as CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD19, it identifies T-cells, B-cells, NK cells, and monocytes
Blast Cell Identification	Abnormal immature cells in leukaemia typically show low side scatter and dim CD45 expression

Why is a CD45, Flow Cytometry Test Done?

A doctor may request the CD45 flow cytometry test to investigate unexplained changes in blood counts or to confirm a suspected blood cancer diagnosis.

Common Symptoms That May Require This Test

The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order this test:

Persistent, unexplained fatigue
Prolonged or recurring fever
Night sweats without an obvious cause
Unexplained weight loss
Swollen lymph nodes (glands in the neck, armpits, or groin)
An enlarged spleen causing discomfort in the abdomen
Abnormal results on a routine blood count

Conditions This Test Can Help Detect

This test is used to investigate or confirm several blood and bone marrow conditions, including:

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
B-cell and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Mantle cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma
Non-haematopoietic (solid) tumours, to distinguish them from blood cancers

CD45, Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring

Patients already diagnosed with leukaemia or lymphoma may have this test repeated during and after treatment. It helps doctors track how well treatment is working and can detect minimal residual disease (MRD), which refers to small numbers of cancer cells that may persist after therapy. Regular monitoring with this test supports timely decisions about continuing, changing, or stopping treatment.

How to Prepare and What to Expect

Preparation for this test is straightforward. There are no major dietary restrictions, but a few practical steps will help ensure an accurate sample.

Do You Need to Fast?

No fasting is required for the CD45 flow cytometry test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

Practical Tips Before Your Test

Keep these points in mind before you arrive for sample collection:

Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially steroids or chemotherapy agents, as these can affect results
Avoid strenuous physical activity immediately before sample collection
Stay well hydrated to support a smooth collection process
Arrive on time, as fresh samples must be processed promptly to preserve cell viability

Step-by-Step Procedure

This test requires a bone marrow sample. Here is what the process involves:

A trained doctor or specialist prepares the collection site, usually the hip bone (posterior iliac crest), using a local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort.
A specialised needle is used to draw a small bone marrow aspirate (approximately 3 ml) into both a sodium heparin (green top) tube and an EDTA (lavender top) tube.
The collected samples are labelled and stored at refrigerated temperature (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) to keep the cells viable during transport.
In the laboratory, the sample is treated with fluorescently tagged antibodies that attach to specific cell surface markers, including CD45.
The treated cells are passed through a flow cytometer, which uses a laser beam to identify and count cells based on how light scatters off them.
A pathologist reviews the generated data plots and prepares a report, which is typically ready within 3 days.

Factors That Can Affect Accuracy

Several factors can influence the reliability of this test:

Delays in sample transport or processing, as the test requires living cells
Haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells) in the sample
Use of steroids or chemotherapy before the sample is taken
Recent infections, which can cause temporary changes in white blood cell populations
Stress, poor sleep, or fatigue around the time of collection
Clotted or frozen specimens, which are not suitable for flow cytometry

Understanding Your CD45, Flow Cytometry Test Results

Results from the CD45, flow cytometry test are interpreted by a specialist pathologist who looks for patterns in cell populations rather than single numbers. The table below outlines general findings.

Parameter	Normal Finding	Possible Abnormal Finding
CD45 Expression	Present on all leucocytes (white blood cells)	Absent or very dim on blast cells or plasma cell tumours
Expression Pattern	Variable intensity; lymphocytes show bright CD45	Dim or negative CD45 may suggest acute leukaemia or plasma cell disorder
CD45-positive Cells	More than 95% of nucleated blood cells	Low percentage may indicate a non-haematopoietic tumour

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 alter how results appear. Your doctor will consider these when reviewing findings:

Patients on steroids or chemotherapy may show lower cell counts, which can complicate interpretation.
A recent infection can cause reactive changes in lymphocyte populations, potentially mimicking an abnormal result.
Sample quality issues such as clotting, haemolysis, or delayed processing can reduce cell viability and affect the accuracy of the results.

How to Maintain Healthy Levels

While this test is ordered to investigate specific medical concerns, general habits support overall blood health:

Eat a balanced diet with adequate iron, folate, and vitamin B12 to support healthy blood cell production.
Get sufficient rest and keep stress levels manageable, as chronic stress can affect immune cell populations.
Attend regular health check-ups, particularly if you have a personal or family history of blood-related conditions.

Lupin Diagnostics CD45, Flow Cytometry Test Price

The CD45, flow cytometry test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹2,300. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available because the sample must be processed quickly using specialised equipment.

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 CD45, flow cytometry test online:

Select the CD45, 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 CD45 flow cytometry test is used to identify and classify blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma. By measuring CD45 expression on cells, it helps doctors determine whether abnormal cells are of blood-forming origin and which type of malignancy is present.

No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as usual before the test. If your doctor has any specific instructions for your individual case, they will inform you in advance.

Bone marrow is the site where blood cells are produced. Collecting a sample from there allows the laboratory to examine immature and abnormal cells directly at their source, giving a more accurate picture of blood cell development than a peripheral blood sample alone.

The CD45, flow cytometry test report is typically available within 3 days from the date of sample collection. Complex cases may occasionally require additional time for thorough analysis.

Flow cytometry requires fresh, living cells that remain viable for a limited window after collection. A bone marrow sample must also be collected by a trained specialist under controlled conditions. For these reasons, this test must be performed at a Lupin Diagnostics centre.

Absent or dim CD45 expression can be seen in certain types of acute leukaemia and plasma cell disorders such as multiple myeloma. Your doctor will interpret this finding alongside other flow cytometry markers, clinical history, and additional investigations. A single result is not enough to make a diagnosis.

The CD45 flow cytometry test is highly useful for diagnosing and classifying many types of leukaemias and lymphomas. However, it is less reliable for diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma on its own. Your doctor may combine it with other tests, including biopsy and additional laboratory investigations, to reach a complete diagnosis.