CD5, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD5, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD5 marker test, CD5 antigen flow cytometry, CD5 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 haematological malignancy evaluation |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What Is a CD5, Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD5, flow cytometry test identifies and measures the CD5 protein on the surface of immune cells, particularly T-cells and certain B-cells. Doctors order this test when they suspect blood cancers or lymphoproliferative disorders (conditions where white blood cells multiply abnormally). The sample used is bone marrow, which gives the most accurate picture of blood cell populations. This test is also known as CD5 antigen flow cytometry or CD5 immunophenotyping.
What Does a CD5, Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
The CD5 flow cytometry test analyses immune cells using laser-based technology to detect specific proteins on their surfaces. Here is what the test looks at:
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD5 expression on T-cells | Confirms normal T-cell identity; CD5 is present on virtually all mature T-cells |
| CD5+ B-cells (% of total B-cells) | Abnormal presence of CD5 on B-cells is a main indicator of unknown health issues. |
| Clonality assessment | Identifies abnormal cell populations that may point to cancer |
| B-cell subpopulations | Detects B1 cells (a subset of B-cells that normally carry CD5) separately from other B-cells |
Results are read both qualitatively (positive or negative) and quantitatively (how strongly the marker is expressed), alongside other immune cell markers.
Why Is a CD5, Flow Cytometry Test Done?
This test is a specialised tool in haemato-oncology (the field covering blood cancers). It helps doctors diagnose, classify, and monitor certain blood cancers and immune cell disorders.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request the CD5 flow cytometry test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Unexplained fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Recurrent or persistent infections
- Night sweats without an obvious cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Low-grade fever lasting several weeks
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test supports the diagnosis of several blood and lymphoid conditions, including:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a slow-growing blood cancer
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- T-cell lymphomas and leukaemias, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Splenic marginal zone lymphoma and hairy cell leukaemia (which may occasionally express CD5)
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), in 5 to 10% of cases
- Thymic carcinoma (cancer arising from the thymus gland)
CD5, Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with CLL, mantle cell lymphoma, or related lymphoproliferative disorders, this test provides important prognostic information. It helps doctors assess how well treatment is working by measuring changes in abnormal cell populations over time. The test can also detect minimal residual disease (MRD), meaning the small number of cancer cells that may persist after treatment, allowing doctors to adjust therapy accordingly.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, but a few steps help ensure the sample is suitable for analysis.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the CD5 flow cytometry test. You may eat and drink as usual on the day of your test. If your doctor has ordered additional tests at the same time, check with them whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant family history, as this is required for the test.
- Tell your doctor and the laboratory about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, particularly immunosuppressants or chemotherapy drugs, as these can affect immune cell counts.
- Stay well hydrated on the day of the test.
- Inform the laboratory if you have recently received a blood transfusion, as this can influence results.
- The bone marrow sample must be processed within 48 hours of collection, so attend your appointment at the scheduled time.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Because this test requires a bone marrow sample, the collection is done by a trained doctor at a diagnostic centre. Here is what to expect:
- You will be positioned comfortably, usually lying on your side or stomach. The skin over the hip bone (or another suitable site) is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area so you feel minimal discomfort during the procedure.
- A specialist inserts a needle into the bone marrow space and withdraws a small amount of bone marrow (approximately 3 ml) into two collection tubes: one sodium heparin (green) tube and one EDTA (lavender) tube.
- A small dressing is applied to the site after collection. The procedure takes only a few minutes.
- The samples are labelled and stored at 2 to 8°C (refrigerated), then dispatched to the laboratory promptly for processing.
- In the laboratory, cells are treated with fluorescently tagged antibodies and passed through the flow cytometer, which analyses thousands of cells per second using a laser beam.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Delayed processing (samples must reach the lab within 48 hours)
- An incorrect anticoagulant tube was used during collection
- Improper storage temperature during transport
- Recent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or immunosuppressive medication
- Active infections, which can temporarily alter lymphocyte populations
- Recent blood transfusions
Understanding Your CD5, Flow Cytometry Test Results
Results from the CD5 flow cytometry test are best reviewed with a specialist such as a haematologist or immunologist. The table below shows general reference ranges for key parameters.
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| CD5+ B-cells (% of total B-cells) in bone marrow | 4.4% to 19.5% (mean 11.7%) |
| T-cell CD5 expression | Positive on virtually all mature T-cells (85 to 95%) |
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 factors can alter CD5 expression patterns and must be considered during interpretation:
- Medications that influence immune function, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, may affect CD5 levels on lymphocytes.
- Autoimmune conditions and age-related immune changes can shift the proportion of CD5-expressing B-cells outside the typical range.
- Recent chemotherapy or immunotherapy may temporarily reduce overall lymphocyte counts and affect the test findings.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While CD5 expression is primarily influenced by underlying medical conditions and genetics, general immune health can be supported through these habits:
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to support immune function.
- Engage in regular moderate physical activity, such as walking or cycling, most days of the week.
- Attend all follow-up appointments as advised by your doctor, particularly if you are being monitored for a blood or lymphoid condition.
Lupin Diagnostics CD5, Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD5, 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 sample handling and processing requirements.
| 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
Follow these steps to book your CD5 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 specialist.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD5 flow cytometry test is used to identify and classify abnormal immune cell populations in the blood and bone marrow. It helps diagnose conditions such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and mantle cell lymphoma, and supports monitoring of treatment response over time.
No fasting is needed. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. If your doctor has requested other tests on the same day, confirm with them whether any fasting is required for those tests.
Bone marrow contains developing and missing blood cells, which gives the most accurate and complete picture of cell populations. For the CD5, flow cytometry test, bone marrow is collected in both sodium heparin and EDTA tubes to ensure reliable analysis.
Results from the CD5 flow cytometry test are typically available within 3 days of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. Your report will be sent digitally via email or WhatsApp.
CD5 is normally found on T-cells and a small number of B-cells. When B-cells show higher-than-expected CD5 expression, it may suggest conditions such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or mantle cell lymphoma. A positive result must always be interpreted alongside other markers and your full clinical picture by a specialist.
Abnormal results are typically reviewed by a haematologist (a specialist in blood disorders) or an immunologist (a specialist in immune system conditions). Your referring doctor will guide you on the appropriate next steps after reviewing the report.
No, this test is not available for home collection. The bone marrow sample requires specialised collection by a trained doctor, careful handling, and prompt refrigerated transport to an equipped laboratory for processing.
CD5, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
