Flowcytometry - Lymphoma Panel Test
About Flowcytometry - Lymphoma Panel Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Flow Cytometry Lymphoma Immunophenotyping, Lymphoma Panel by Flow Cytometry, Flow Immunophenotyping for Lymphoma, FACS Lymphoma Panel |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow, peripheral blood or body fluid |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of any gender with suspected lymphoma or chronic lymphoproliferative disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹13,750 |
What Is a Flowcytometry - Lymphoma Panel Test?
The flowcytometry - lymphoma panel test is a specialised diagnostic test that identifies and classifies abnormal blood or immune cells. It uses fluorescent-labelled antibodies (special proteins that attach to specific cell markers) to analyse individual cells in detail. Doctors typically order this test when they suspect lymphoma, leukaemia, or a related blood disorder. It is also known as flow cytometry lymphoma immunophenotyping, lymphoma panel by flow cytometry, flow immunophenotyping for lymphoma, or FACS lymphoma panel.
What Does a Flowcytometry - Lymphoma Panel Test Measure?
This test examines a range of cell surface proteins, called CD markers, to identify whether cells are normal or abnormal. Here are the key components it assesses:
| Parameter | Markers Included | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| CD45 (Gated Population) | CD45 | Identifies and gates leukocyte populations; helps distinguish lymphocytes from abnormal cells and debris |
| B-Lymphoid Markers | CD10, CD19, CD20, CD23, CD38, CD49d, CD200, FMC7, sIgD, sIgM, sKappa, sLambda | Determines B-cell lineage, maturation stage, clonality, and helps classify B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders |
| T-Lymphoid Markers | CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD56 | Identifies T-cell and NK-cell populations; assesses T-cell maturation and detects abnormal T-cell phenotypes |
| Other Markers | CD11c, CD103, CD123 | Assists in differentiating specific lymphoid neoplasms, particularly hairy cell leukemia and other mature B-cell disorders |
Why Is a Flowcytometry - Lymphoma Panel Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a lymphoma or related blood disorder based on a patient's symptoms or earlier test findings.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend the flowcytometry - lymphoma panel test when a patient presents with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Enlarged lymph nodes felt as lumps in the neck, underarm, or groin
- Unexplained fever and chills
- Unintended weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Swollen abdomen
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test can help identify a range of blood and lymphatic conditions, including:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders
- Mantle cell lymphoma and hairy cell leukaemia
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
- Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (various subtypes)
- Plasma cell neoplasms, including multiple myeloma
- Reactive lymphocytosis (raised lymphocyte count due to infection) versus true malignancy
Flowcytometry - Lymphoma Panel Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with a haematopoietic neoplasm (a cancer of the blood or immune system), this test is a useful monitoring tool. It can detect minimal residual disease, which refers to small numbers of cancer cells remaining after treatment. Repeat testing helps doctors assess how well treatment is working and decide on next steps.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the flowcytometry - lymphoma panel test procedure. However, a few steps will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the flowcytometry - lymphoma panel test. You can eat and drink normally before your visit. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check with them separately regarding any specific preparation needed.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
These simple steps will help the process go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and recent infections
- Bring previous test reports if this is a follow-up or monitoring visit
- For bone marrow or body fluid samples, follow your doctor's specific instructions carefully
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process varies depending on the type of specimen your doctor has requested. Here is what to expect at each stage:
- Your doctor reviews your clinical history and confirms the sample type required.
- For a peripheral blood sample, a trained phlebotomist inserts a needle into a vein in your arm and draws 3 mL of blood into an EDTA tube.
- For a bone marrow sample, a healthcare professional performs a bone marrow aspiration, usually from the hip bone, collecting approximately 3 mL of aspirate into a sterile tube.
- For a body fluid sample, fluid is drawn from the relevant body cavity using a syringe and needle by a trained clinician.
- The collected sample is labelled and stored at the correct temperature (refrigerated at 2 to 8°C) before being sent to the laboratory.
- In the laboratory, cells are stained with fluorescent antibodies and analysed using a flow cytometer, which identifies and counts specific cell populations.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Delayed sample transport or poor cell viability at the time of testing
- Low sample cellularity (too few cells in the specimen)
- Recent steroid or immunosuppressive therapy, which can reduce detectable lymphoma cells
- Incorrect anticoagulant type used during collection
- Sample contamination or improper handling
Understanding Your Flowcytometry - Lymphoma Panel Test Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed by a qualified specialist, as interpretation depends on the full clinical picture. The table below outlines key parameters and what findings may indicate:
| Parameter | Normal Finding | Abnormal Indication |
|---|---|---|
| CD45 (Gated Population) | Normal white blood cell pattern | A dim or abnormal pattern may suggest abnormal/atypical lymphoid cells |
| B-Lymphoid Markers (CD10, CD19, CD20, CD23, CD38, CD49d, CD200, FMC7, sIgD, sIgM, sKappa, sLambda) | Normal B-cell pattern with mixed kappa and lambda (polyclonal) | Light chain restriction or abnormal marker patterns may suggest B-cell lymphoma or leukaemia |
| T-Lymphoid Markers (CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD56) | Normal T-cell proportions and marker expression | Loss or abnormal expression may suggest T-cell lymphoma or abnormal T-cell population |
| Other Markers (CD11c, CD103, CD123) | Low or limited expression in normal cells | Increased or abnormal expression may suggest specific lymphoid neoplasms (e.g., hairy cell leukaemia or related disorders) |
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 can affect how results are interpreted:
- Poor cell viability, often caused by delayed sample handling, can impair antigen detection and make it harder to identify abnormal cell populations.
- Recent treatment with steroids or immunosuppressive agents may temporarily reduce abnormal cell counts, potentially affecting findings.
- In patients receiving targeted therapies, certain markers such as CD19 and CD22 may show altered expression, which can complicate the interpretation of results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test detects cancer-related changes rather than lifestyle-influenced values, the following general wellness habits support overall immune health:
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments if you are being monitored for lymphoma
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or new lumps, to your doctor promptly
Lupin Diagnostics Flowcytometry - Lymphoma Panel Test Price
The flowcytometry - lymphoma panel test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹13,750. As this test requires specialised sample collection (particularly bone marrow and body fluid), home collection is not available. The table below shows indicative prices across major cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 13750 |
| CHENNAI | 13750 |
| HYDERABAD | 13750 |
| KOLKATA | 13750 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 13750 |
| PUNE | 13750 |
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 - lymphoma 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
This test is used to identify and classify abnormal blood or bone marrow cell populations that may indicate lymphoma, leukaemia, or related blood cancers. It analyses specific proteins on cell surfaces to determine whether cells belong to normal or abnormal clones. Doctors also use it to monitor how well treatment is working in patients with an established diagnosis.
No fasting is required. You may eat and drink normally before the test. However, inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or recent infections, as these can affect results.
An abnormal result indicates that one or more cell populations show unusual marker patterns, which may suggest a lymphoma, leukaemia, or related disorder. Your doctor will explain the findings and discuss the next steps, which may include additional tests or a specialist referral.
No. Some types, including Hodgkin lymphoma, are not reliably detected by this technique. Certain haematopoietic neoplasms also do not show detectable phenotypic changes. In such cases, additional tests like biopsy and immunohistochemistry are usually required for a complete diagnosis.
The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic before the procedure, which significantly reduces discomfort. You may feel pressure or a brief sharp sensation when the bone marrow is aspirated. Most patients tolerate the procedure well, and any soreness at the site usually settles within a day or two.
In patients already diagnosed with lymphoma or a related blood cancer, this test can detect minimal residual disease, which refers to small numbers of cancer cells that may remain after treatment. Doctors use repeat testing to assess how well treatment is working and to check for any signs of disease returning.
Flowcytometry - Lymphoma Panel Test
