CD64, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD64, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | nCD64, Neutrophil CD64, CD64 Index, FcγRI (Fc gamma receptor I) |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow (Sodium Heparin and EDTA) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All ages; neonates, children, and adults with suspected bacterial infection or sepsis |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What Is a CD64, Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD64 flow cytometry test measures the level of the CD64 receptor on the surface of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. This receptor increases significantly during bacterial infection, making it a useful marker for detecting sepsis and other serious infections. The test is also known as the Neutrophil CD64 or CD64 Index test. A bone marrow sample is used for this analysis, collected in specialised containers and processed using flow cytometry.
What Does a CD64, Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
The CD64 flow cytometry test analyses the expression of the CD64 receptor on neutrophils. The table below outlines what each parameter indicates.
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| CD64 Expression Level | How many CD64 receptor sites are present on neutrophils; very low in healthy individuals |
| CD64 Index | A calculated ratio comparing cell fluorescence to calibration beads; rises significantly during infection |
In healthy individuals, CD64 expression is very low, typically less than 1,000 sites per cell. During bacterial infection or sepsis, this can increase up to five to ten times the normal level.
Why Is a CD64, Flow Cytometry Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when a patient shows signs of severe infection or when the cause of inflammation is unclear.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Fever with no clear cause
- Chills and shivering
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Low blood pressure
- Signs of systemic (whole-body) infection
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify or rule out several serious conditions, including:
- Bacterial infection and sepsis (a severe, life-threatening blood infection)
- Neonatal sepsis (blood infection in newborns)
- Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), to distinguish it from true sepsis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition
- Active tuberculosis
- Febrile neutropenia (fever with low white blood cell count) in patients receiving chemotherapy
CD64, Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The CD64 index can be used to monitor how well a patient is responding to treatment for certain chronic infections. In patients receiving anti-tuberculosis therapy, the CD64 index typically begins to fall within the first week and drops significantly by four weeks, reflecting treatment progress. For patients with sepsis, tracking CD64 levels helps doctors assess whether antimicrobial therapy is working.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but there are a few practical points to keep in mind before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed copy of your clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor and the laboratory if you are currently taking steroids (glucocorticoids) or immunosuppressant medicines, as these can affect the result.
- Let the phlebotomist know about any other medications you are taking.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to the arm or collection site.
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test requires a bone marrow sample. Here is what the process typically involves:
- A healthcare professional reviews your clinical history and confirms the test request before collection begins.
- The bone marrow sample is collected by a trained specialist at the diagnostic centre, following standard clinical protocols.
- Two separate samples are collected: one in a Sodium Heparin (green) tube and one in an EDTA (lavender) tube, each approximately 3 ml.
- The samples are labelled and stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius to maintain stability during transport.
- In the laboratory, the samples are stained with a monoclonal antibody cocktail and processed using direct immunofluorescence.
- Flow cytometry equipment analyses the level of CD64 expression, and the CD64 index is calculated. Results are delivered within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of your results:
- Use of steroid (glucocorticoid) medicines, which can suppress CD64 expression and produce a falsely low result
- Time between sample collection and laboratory analysis
- Whether a standardised kit or an in-house assay is used
- Differences in flow cytometry equipment and antibody types across laboratories
- Genetic variations in the FCGR1A gene, which can affect baseline CD64 levels
Understanding Your CD64, Flow Cytometry Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed by a doctor alongside your symptoms, clinical history, and other test findings. The table below shows general reference ranges.
| Parameter | Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| CD64 Index (healthy adults) | 0.54 to 1.1 | Normal; no significant bacterial activation |
| CD64 Index (hospitalised, no infection) | 1.00 to 2.00 | Borderline; monitor in context |
| Cutoff for infection (adults) | Above 1.19 | Suggestive of bacterial infection |
| Cutoff for neonatal early-onset sepsis | Above 2.38 | Suggestive of early neonatal infection |
| Cutoff for neonatal late-onset sepsis | Above 3.62 | Suggestive of late neonatal infection |
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
- Steroid therapy: Glucocorticoid medicines can suppress CD64 expression, potentially producing a lower result than expected even when infection is present. Always inform your doctor if you are on steroids.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): CD64 expression on monocytes (a type of white blood cell) may be elevated in SLE patients due to increased type I interferon activity, which can influence interpretation.
- Recent infection resolution: CD64 levels drop sharply within 48 hours of an infection clearing and typically return to normal within 7 days.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips to support immune health:
- Practise good hand hygiene and infection prevention habits to reduce the risk of bacterial illness.
- Seek prompt medical attention for signs of infection so that treatment can begin early.
- Follow up with your doctor if you experience recurring or unexplained fevers.
Lupin Diagnostics CD64, Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD64, flow cytometry test is priced starting at ₹2,300 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires specialised equipment and must be performed at a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| 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 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 of sample collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CD64, flow cytometry test measures the level of the CD64 receptor on neutrophils that increases sharply during bacterial infection. Doctors use it to detect sepsis, distinguish bacterial infection from other causes of inflammation, and monitor treatment response. It is useful across age groups, including newborns.
No fasting is required. However, bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms and any previous test results, as this is needed for the test. Inform your doctor if you are taking steroids or immunosuppressant medicines, as these may affect your results.
The CD64 flow cytometry test procedure at Lupin Diagnostics uses a bone marrow sample collected in two specialised tubes. This allows the laboratory to accurately measure CD64 expression using flow cytometry. The collection is performed by a trained specialist at the centre.
Results are delivered within 3 days of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. The laboratory processes the sample using flow cytometry and calculates the CD64 index before issuing the report.
Yes, the test can be performed on neonates. CD64 expression increases significantly in newborns with sepsis, and this test is considered a useful early diagnostic marker for neonatal infection, often providing clearer results than other inflammatory markers used alone.
A CD64 index at or below 1.19 suggests that bacterial infection or bacteraemia (bacteria in the blood) is unlikely. This can help doctors avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment. However, the result should always be read alongside the patient's clinical condition and other test findings.
No, CD64, flow cytometry test home collection is not available. The test requires specialised sample collection, flow cytometry equipment and specially trained personnel, so the sample must be collected at a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Please book a centre visit through the Lupin Diagnostics website.
CD64, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
