CD61, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD61, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD61 marker, Glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa), Integrin β3, Megakaryocytic cell marker, ITGB3 |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What is a CD61, Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD61, flow cytometry test is a specialised laboratory test that detects and measures the CD61 protein (also called Glycoprotein IIIa or GPIIIa) on the surface of platelets and megakaryocytes (the cells in bone marrow that produce platelets). Doctors order this test when a patient shows signs of an unexplained bleeding disorder or when a blood cancer involving platelet-forming cells is suspected. A bone marrow sample is used for this analysis.
What Does a CD61, Flowcytometry Test Measure?
This test uses a technique called flow cytometry to identify and quantify specific proteins on cell surfaces. The key markers assessed are listed below.
| Marker | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CD61 (GPIIIa) | A glycoprotein on platelets and megakaryocytes; its presence confirms normal platelet structure |
| CD41/CD61 complex | These two proteins combine to form the GPIIb-IIIa complex, found only on platelets and megakaryocytes; used to assess platelet aggregation function |
| Fibrinogen receptor activity | CD61 acts as a receptor for clotting proteins such as fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor, making it central to normal blood clotting |
Why Is a CD61, Flow Cytometry Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to identify the cause of abnormal bleeding or to classify certain blood cancers. The following sections outline the common reasons it is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend the CD61 flow cytometry test when a patient presents with any of the following symptoms.
- Unexplained or excessive bleeding
- Easy bruising without an obvious cause
- Prolonged bleeding after a minor injury or surgery
- Frequent nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Bleeding gums
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Blood in stool or urine
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The CD61, flow cytometry test procedure helps identify several platelet and bone marrow conditions.
- Glanzmann thrombasthenia, an inherited bleeding disorder caused by the absence of or reduced CD61 and CD41 on platelets
- Bernard-Soulier syndrome, another inherited platelet disorder with characteristic changes in glycoprotein expression
- Acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL), a blood cancer diagnosed in part by the presence of CD61 on abnormal blast cells
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and other platelet disorders related to megakaryocyte function
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. The notes below will help you arrive ready and know what to expect during sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the CD61, flow cytometry test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of the test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before attending your appointment.
- Bring a detailed clinical history file, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant family history, as this is required for the test.
- Inform the laboratory staff about all medications you are currently taking, particularly blood thinners or anticoagulants, as these may influence platelet function.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity and unnecessary stress on the day of the test, as these can alter blood cell parameters.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arm if a peripheral blood draw is also needed.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample for this test is bone marrow, collected by a trained doctor at the diagnostic centre. Here is what to expect.
- You will be asked to lie still in a comfortable position. The skin over the collection site (usually the hip bone or sternum) is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied.
- A thin needle is carefully inserted into the bone marrow space to withdraw a small bone marrow aspirate sample (approximately 3 ml).
- Two separate collection tubes are used: a sodium heparin tube (green top) and an EDTA tube (lavender top), each requiring 3 ml of sample.
- The collected samples are labelled accurately and stored at 2 to 8°C for refrigerated transport to the laboratory.
- In the laboratory, cells are labelled with antibodies targeting CD61 and related surface markers, then passed through a flow cytometer for analysis.
- Specialised software measures the fluorescent intensity of bound antibodies, and a trained pathologist interprets the results within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may interfere with the reliability of your results.
- Delay in sample processing beyond the recommended timeframe
- Improper storage temperature during transport
- Haemolysis (bursting of red blood cells) in the sample
- Use of incorrect anticoagulant tubes
- Recent platelet transfusions, which can introduce donor platelets and affect readings
- Platelet adhesion to other cells, which can cause false positive results for CD41 and CD61
Understanding Your CD61, Flowcytometry Test Results
Your results are reported as the percentage of normal expression or as mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) compared to healthy controls. A doctor will review these values alongside your clinical history and other investigations.
| Parameter | Normal Finding | Possible Significance if Abnormal |
|---|---|---|
| CD61 expression | Present (positive) on platelets and megakaryocytes | Absence or reduction may indicate Glanzmann thrombasthenia |
| CD41/CD61 co-expression | Greater than 80% of platelets | Less than 5% strongly suggests Glanzmann thrombasthenia Type I |
Patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia are typically classified as Type I (CD41/CD61 less than 5%), Type II (CD41/CD61 between 5% and 20%), or Type III variant (approximately 80% to 100% of normal levels but with dysfunctional receptors).
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 may affect how your results are read.
Platelet adhesion to other cell types can cause false-positive CD41 and CD61 readings, so caution is needed when interpreting borderline results. Recent platelet transfusions may introduce donor platelets into the sample, making it difficult to assess the patient's own platelet glycoprotein expression accurately. Samples stored at room temperature for too long may show platelet activation changes that alter test findings.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The tips below support general blood cell health and are not a substitute for medical treatment.
- Follow a balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and folate, which support normal blood cell production.
- Avoid using over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen without consulting your doctor, as these affect platelet function.
- Report any new or unusual bleeding or bruising to your healthcare provider promptly, rather than waiting for a scheduled visit.
Lupin Diagnostics CD61, Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD61, flow cytometry test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹2,300. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available, as the test requires a bone marrow sample.
| 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
- Select the CD61, 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 the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD61, flow cytometry test is used to detect and measure the CD61 glycoprotein on platelets and megakaryocytes. It helps diagnose inherited bleeding disorders such as Glanzmann thrombasthenia and Bernard-Soulier syndrome, and also assists in classifying blood cancers like acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia.
No, fasting is not required. You may eat and drink as normal before your appointment. It is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise on the day of the test.
Bone marrow is the site where megakaryocytes (platelet-forming cells) are produced. Analysing a bone marrow sample allows the laboratory to assess CD61 expression directly on these cells, providing more detailed information than a blood sample alone in many cases.
Recurrent nosebleeds in children can be a sign of an inherited platelet disorder. Glanzmann thrombasthenia, for example, often presents in early childhood with symptoms such as frequent nosebleeds and easy bruising. The CD61, flow cytometry test helps confirm or rule out such conditions.
Results are typically available within 3 days of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. Your report will be shared with you digitally via email or WhatsApp.
No. This is a super-specialised test that requires advanced laboratory equipment and trained medical personnel for both sample collection and analysis. The sample must be collected at a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
Bring a detailed clinical history file, including your symptoms, any previous test reports, and relevant family history. The laboratory requires this information to process and interpret the CD61 flow cytometry test accurately.
CD61, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
