CD7, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About CD7, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD7 Immunophenotyping, CD7 Marker Test, T-Cell Marker CD7 |
| 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 CD7, Flow Cytometry Test?
The CD7, flow cytometry test detects the presence of the CD7 protein marker on cells in a bone marrow sample. CD7 is a surface protein found on T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Doctors use this test to identify abnormal cell populations linked to certain blood cancers. It is also referred to as CD7 immunophenotyping or the CD7 marker test.
What Does a CD7, Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
The test uses flow cytometry, a laboratory method that passes cells through a laser beam to detect surface proteins. It measures the following:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| CD7 Expression (Positive) | Normal T-cell and NK-cell populations; also found in T-cell leukaemias and lymphomas |
| CD7 Absence (Negative or Lost) | May suggest peripheral T-cell lymphoma or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma |
| Percentage of CD7-Positive Cells | Helps identify abnormal or malignant cell populations |
Results are reported as positive or negative, along with the percentage of cells expressing the CD7 marker.
Why Is a CD7, Flow Cytometry Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when a patient presents with symptoms or blood count results that point to a possible blood disorder. The CD7, flow cytometry test plays a key role in the diagnosis of T-cell malignancies.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order this test:
- Unexplained and persistent fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes (enlargement of glands in the neck, armpits, or groin)
- Recurrent or prolonged fever
- Night sweats without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
- Skin rashes without an obvious reason
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying several blood and lymph-related conditions, including:
- T-lymphoblastic leukaemia and lymphoma (T-ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with T-cell markers
- Adult T-cell leukaemia and lymphoma (ATL)
- Peripheral T-cell lymphomas
- Mycosis fungoides (a form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)
- Sézary syndrome (a type of skin lymphoma)
- Hodgkin lymphoma evaluation
CD7, Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test may be repeated during the treatment of T-cell malignancies to track how the disease is responding. In conditions such as adult T-cell leukaemia and lymphoma, flow cytometric analysis of CD7 expression helps monitor disease progression and the evolution of malignant cell populations over time.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. The sections below cover what you should know before arriving at the collection centre.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Continue any regular medications unless your doctor gives specific instructions otherwise.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed copy of your clinical history, including symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform the doctor or phlebotomist about all medications you are currently taking.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing for easy access to the collection site.
- Stay well hydrated before the appointment.
- Arrive a few minutes early to complete any registration or documentation.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The bone marrow sample for the flow cytometry test procedure is collected by a trained medical professional at a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Here is what to expect:
- A doctor or specialist confirms the collection site, usually the back of the hip bone (iliac crest) or breastbone.
- The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a local anaesthetic is applied to numb the skin.
- A specially designed needle is inserted to draw approximately 3 ml of bone marrow into a sodium heparin or EDTA collection tube.
- The needle is withdrawn, and gentle pressure is applied; a small bandage is placed over the site.
- The sample is labelled and stored at 2 to 8°C for transport to the laboratory.
- In the lab, fluorescently tagged antibodies are applied to the cells, and the sample is analysed using a flow cytometer.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect the quality or reliability of results:
- Delay in processing (samples must reach the lab within 48 hours of collection)
- Poor cell viability due to incorrect storage temperature during transport
- Use of an incorrect anticoagulant tube
- Haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells in the sample)
- Recent immunosuppressive therapy, which may alter CD7 expression patterns
- Active viral infections, such as infectious mononucleosis, can temporarily reduce CD7 expression
Understanding Your CD7, Flow Cytometry Test Results
Results from this test require careful interpretation by a qualified haematologist or oncologist. The table below provides a general guide to what the findings may suggest.
| Parameter | Expected Finding | Possible Implication |
|---|---|---|
| CD7 Expression | Positive on T-cells and NK cells | Normal immune cell population |
| CD7 Overexpression or Abnormal Pattern | Positive on blast cells | May indicate T-ALL, T-cell lymphoma, or AML with T-cell markers |
| CD7 Loss or Absence | Negative in T-cell populations | May suggest peripheral T-cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, or Sézary syndrome |
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 conditions can affect how results are read:
- In newborns and cord blood samples, CD7-negative T-cells are typically absent. The number of CD7-negative T-cells increases gradually with age, which should be factored into interpretation.
- Viral infections such as infectious mononucleosis can cause a temporary reduction in CD7 expression, which may be mistaken for an abnormal finding.
- Recent immunosuppressive therapy may alter CD7 expression patterns and should always be disclosed before the test.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips and are not a substitute for medical treatment:
- Support overall immune health through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get adequate sleep and manage stress, as both influence immune function.
- Attend regular health check-ups if you have a personal or family history of blood disorders or cancers.
Lupin Diagnostics CD7, Flow Cytometry Test Price
The CD7, flow cytometry test is priced starting at ₹2,300 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test, as it involves specialised bone marrow sample collection and processing.
| 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 CD7, flow cytometry test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred Lupin Diagnostics centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for bone marrow sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
CD7 is a protein found on the surface of T-cells and NK cells. It appears early in T-cell development and remains present through later stages. The CD7, flow cytometry test helps doctors identify abnormal T-cell populations, which is important for diagnosing blood cancers such as T-cell leukaemia and lymphoma.
This test is usually ordered for people with unexplained abnormal blood counts, swollen lymph nodes, or symptoms that suggest a blood cancer. It is typically requested by a haematologist or oncologist as part of a wider diagnostic workup.
No special preparation is needed. You do not need to fast. However, bring a detailed clinical history report, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this information is required for the test.
A trained doctor collects the sample using a fine needle inserted into the hip bone or breastbone under local anaesthesia. The procedure takes a short time, and mild soreness at the site is normal. The sample is then processed in an NABL-accredited laboratory.
At Lupin Diagnostics, results are typically available within 3 days of sample collection. Your report will be sent to you digitally via email or WhatsApp.
No, the CD7, flow cytometry test cannot be done at home. Bone marrow collection requires a trained specialist and sterile clinical conditions. The sample also needs to reach a certified laboratory promptly for accurate processing.
An abnormal result does not confirm a diagnosis on its own. Your doctor will review the findings alongside your symptoms, blood counts, and medical history. Further tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy, genetic analysis, or imaging, may be recommended to arrive at a confirmed diagnosis.
CD7, Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
