Flowcytometry - Acute Leukaemia Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Flowcytometry - Acute Leukaemia Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Flow Cytometry Immunophenotyping Panel, Acute Leukaemia Immunophenotyping, FCM Acute Leukaemia Panel |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate, peripheral blood, or body fluid (collected in EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, both genders; patients with suspected acute leukaemia |
| Price | Starting at ₹9,450 |
What is a Flowcytometry - Acute Leukaemia Panel Test?
The flowcytometry - acute leukaemia panel test is a specialised diagnostic test that analyses cells from blood, bone marrow, or body fluid to identify and classify abnormal cell populations. It uses a technique called immunophenotyping, which detects specific proteins on the surface or inside cells to determine their type and origin. Doctors order this test when a patient's symptoms or blood counts suggest the possibility of acute leukaemia. It is also known as the flow cytometry immunophenotyping panel, acute leukaemia immunophenotyping or FCM acute leukaemia panel.
What Does a Flowcytometry - Acute Leukaemia Panel Test Measure?
This test examines a large set of cell markers called cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens. Each marker helps identify the type and maturity of blood cells present in the sample. The panel covers the following marker groups:
| Marker Group | Markers Included | What It Identifies |
|---|---|---|
| Non-lineage/Immaturity Markers | CD34, CD38, Nuclear TdT, HLA-DR | Immature blast cells (undeveloped precursor cells) |
| B-cell Markers | CD10, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD66c, CD73, CD81, Cyto 79α | Leukaemia arising from B-lymphocyte cells |
| Myeloid Markers | CD11b, CD13, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD33, CD64, CD117, CD123, Cyto MPO | Leukaemia arising from bone marrow myeloid cells |
| T-cell Markers | CD1a, CD2, sCD3/Cyto CD3, CD5, CD7, CD56 | Leukaemia arising from T-lymphocyte cells |
| Megakaryocytic Markers | CD41, CD61 | Leukaemia arising from platelet-producing cells |
| Gated Population | CD45 | Overall white blood cell identification |
Why is a Flowcytometry - Acute Leukaemia Panel Test Done?
This test plays a key role in diagnosing and classifying acute leukaemia. Doctors use results from this panel alongside clinical findings to guide further investigation and management decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order the flowcytometry - acute leukaemia panel test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- Persistent and unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Fever, night sweats, or recurring infections
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Unintentional weight loss
- Pale skin or breathlessness
- Presence of abnormal or immature cells on a routine blood count
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This panel helps identify and classify several blood-related conditions, including:
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), which arises from myeloid blood cell precursors
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), which arises from lymphoid precursor cells
- Mixed phenotype acute leukaemia, where cells show features of more than one lineage
- Acute undifferentiated leukaemia, where cells cannot be assigned to a single lineage
- Blast crisis in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), helping to distinguish whether the crisis is of lymphoid or myeloid origin
Flowcytometry - Acute Leukaemia Panel Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test is used not only at the time of initial diagnosis but also during and after treatment. It helps classify the exact leukaemia subtype, which directly influences the choice of therapy. Doctors also use it to monitor measurable residual disease (MRD), which refers to small numbers of leukaemic cells that may remain in the body after treatment. MRD detected by flow cytometry is a reliable predictor of treatment response and the likelihood of relapse.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No specific preparation is needed for this test, but a few steps will help ensure the sample is collected correctly and results are accurate.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Always follow any specific instructions given by your treating doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind ahead of your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Bring previous blood test reports, particularly any complete blood count (CBC) results
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or ongoing therapies
- If you take blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medications, speak to your doctor in advance about whether to pause them before a bone marrow procedure
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the collection site
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Your doctor will review your clinical history and decide which sample type is most appropriate — bone marrow, peripheral blood, or body fluid.
- For a bone marrow sample, the skin over the back of the hip bone is cleaned with antiseptic and numbed with a local anaesthetic; a hollow needle is then carefully inserted into the bone, and a small amount of liquid marrow is withdrawn using a syringe.
- For a peripheral blood sample, a healthcare professional draws approximately 3 ml of blood from a vein in your arm using a standard needle and collects it in a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- For a body fluid sample, the relevant fluid is collected by a trained clinician into a lavender-top EDTA vacutainer as directed by your doctor.
- All samples are labelled and stored at 2 to 8°C for refrigerated transport to the laboratory.
- In the laboratory, cells are stained with specialised antibodies and analysed by a flow cytometer, which measures light scattering and fluorescence to profile each cell; a haematopathologist (blood disease specialist) then interprets the findings.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Delayed sample transport beyond 48 hours, as cell viability decreases over time
- Inadequate cell count in the specimen
- Incorrect anticoagulant tube used for collection
- Ongoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy, which can alter cell marker expression
- Recent blood transfusions prior to sample collection
- Sample storage outside the recommended temperature range
Understanding Your Flowcytometry - Acute Leukaemia Panel Test Results
Results from this panel are interpreted by a specialist alongside clinical information and other test findings. Because this is a diagnostic and classification panel rather than a simple numerical test, results are reported as the presence or absence of specific marker patterns. The table below provides general reference information:
| Parameter | Expected Finding | What an Abnormal Result May Suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Gated Population (CD45) | Normal leukocyte expression pattern | Abnormal blast population |
| Non-Lineage/Immaturity Markers (CD34, CD38, Nuclear TdT, HLA-DR) | Limited expression on normal precursors | Increased blasts/immature cells |
| B-cell markers (CD10, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD66c, CD73, CD81, Cyto CD79α) | Absent on blasts | Positive expression indicates B-ALL |
| Myeloid markers (CD11b, CD13, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD33, CD64, CD117, CD123, Cyto MPO) | Absent on lymphoid blasts | Positive expression indicates AML |
| T-cell markers (CD1a, CD2, sCD3/Cyto CD3, CD5, CD7, CD56) | Absent on myeloid blasts | Positive expression indicates T-ALL |
| Megakaryocytic markers (CD41, CD61) | Absent in most leukaemias | Positive expression suggests acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia |
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 may affect how results are interpreted:
- Ongoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy at the time of sample collection may change the pattern of marker expression on leukaemic cells, making interpretation more complex.
- A blood transfusion received shortly before testing may introduce donor cells, which can affect the accuracy of the analysis.
- Samples older than 72 hours may show reduced assay sensitivity, as cell viability declines after collection.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While acute leukaemia cannot be prevented through lifestyle changes alone, the following general measures support overall health:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to known environmental risk factors such as benzene and excessive radiation.
- Attend routine health check-ups so that any abnormal blood counts are identified early.
- Maintain a balanced diet and regular physical activity to support general wellbeing.
Lupin Diagnostics Flowcytometry - Acute Leukaemia Panel Test Price
The flowcytometry - acute leukaemia panel test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹9,450. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available. Bone marrow and body fluid samples must be collected by trained medical professionals in a clinical facility. The table shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 9450 |
| CHENNAI | 9450 |
| HYDERABAD | 9450 |
| KOLKATA | 9450 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 9450 |
| PUNE | 9450 |
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 for flowcytometry - acute leukaemia panel test online booking:
- 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.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The flowcytometry - acute leukaemia panel test is a specialised blood and bone marrow test that identifies abnormal cell populations using a technique called immunophenotyping. It detects specific proteins on cells to classify the type and origin of leukaemia. It is typically ordered when a doctor suspects acute leukaemia based on symptoms or blood count abnormalities.
Doctors order this panel when initial blood tests show abnormal or immature cell counts, or when a patient has symptoms such as persistent fatigue, recurring infections, or unusual bruising. It helps confirm a diagnosis of acute leukaemia and identifies the exact subtype, which is essential for choosing the right course of treatment.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as usual before your appointment. However, always follow the specific guidance provided by your doctor, especially if other tests are being done at the same time.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the test results are delivered within 3 days. The report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp.
Home collection is not available for the flowcytometry - acute leukaemia panel test. The test requires fresh specimens with careful handling and temperature-controlled transport. Bone marrow and body fluid samples must be collected by trained medical professionals in a clinical facility.
An abnormal result means that cells with unusual marker patterns have been identified, which may point to a type of acute leukaemia. However, this test is one part of the diagnostic process. Your doctor will review the results alongside your clinical history, blood counts, and other investigations before arriving at a diagnosis or recommending next steps.
After diagnosis, the flowcytometry - acute leukaemia panel test procedure is used to monitor how well treatment is working. It can detect very small numbers of leukaemic cells remaining in the body after therapy, known as measurable residual disease (MRD). Monitoring MRD helps doctors assess whether treatment is effective and whether there is a risk of the disease returning.
Flowcytometry - Acute Leukaemia Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
