Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry
About Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CD235a Test, GPA Test, Glycophorin A (Erythroid) Test, GYPA Test, Erythroid Cell Marker Test |
| Sample Type | Whole Blood (EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders when a blood or bone marrow disorder is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,200 |
What Is a Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry?
The Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry test is a specialised blood test that identifies and measures a protein called Glycophorin A (also known as CD235a) on the surface of red blood cells.
Doctors order this test to study how red blood cells develop and to investigate suspected blood disorders. It is also referred to as the GPA test or the CD235a test. A small sample of whole blood is collected in an EDTA tube for analysis.
What Does a Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry Measure?
The CD235a test uses a technique called flow cytometry, which passes cells through a laser beam to detect specific proteins on their surface. The following markers and processes are evaluated:
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Glycophorin A (CD235a) expression | Whether the protein is present or absent on red blood cell surfaces |
| Erythroid lineage identification | Tracks the maturation stages of red blood cell precursors (immature red blood cells) in the bone marrow |
| GPA sites per red blood cell | Quantifies how many Glycophorin A proteins are on each red blood cell (normal range: 1.86 to 4.9 × 10⁵ sites per cell) |
Glycophorin A is a sugar-containing protein found on mature red blood cells and their immature precursors. Its presence or absence helps doctors identify specific types of blood disorders.
Why Is a Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry Done?
This is a specialised test ordered by hematologists (doctors who treat blood disorders) when standard blood tests do not provide enough information.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test. These include:
- Unexplained anemia (low red blood cell count) that does not respond to routine treatment
- Persistent fatigue with no clear cause
- Pallor (pale skin or pale inner eyelids)
- Easy or unusual bruising
- Recurrent infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone pain
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry test can assist in identifying a range of blood and bone marrow conditions:
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (a group of disorders where blood cells do not develop properly)
- Erythroid leukaemia, including pure erythroid leukaemia (a type of blood cancer involving red blood cell precursors)
- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) workups, where it isolates red blood cells to help evaluate the missing surface proteins (CD55/CD59) that cause cells to be broken down by the complement system
- Aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure)
- Other acute leukaemias requiring erythroid marker assessment
Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The GYPA test plays an important role in tracking certain blood conditions over time. For patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or leukaemia, it may be repeated to assess how the disease is progressing or how well treatment is working. The frequency of repeat testing depends on the treating hematologist's guidance.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No complex preparation is needed for this test. Here is what you should know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry test. You can eat and drink normally before your sample is collected.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure your sample is suitable for testing:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records. This is required for the test.
- Inform the collection staff about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, as some can affect results.
- Note the date and time of sample collection, as the laboratory requires this information on the request form.
- Wear clothing with easy access to your inner arm for a straightforward blood draw.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection professional) cleans the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic.
- A small sample of whole blood (2 ml) is drawn from a vein and collected into a lavender-topped EDTA tube, which contains a substance that prevents the blood from clotting.
- The sample is labelled with your details, the date, and the time of collection.
- It is stored at refrigeration temperature (2 to 8°C) and dispatched promptly to the laboratory.
- In the laboratory, specific antibodies tagged with fluorescent dyes are added to the sample, and the cells are analysed using a flow cytometer (a laser-based instrument).
- The laboratory generates a detailed report, which is typically ready within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence how reliable the results are. These include:
- Medications that affect bone marrow or red blood cell production
- Recent blood transfusions
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Sample hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells during or after collection)
- Delay in sample transport or improper storage temperature
- Genetic conditions that affect red blood cell production
Understanding Your Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry Results
Results from this test are qualitative (present or absent) and quantitative. Your doctor will review them alongside your symptoms, other test findings, and medical history.
| Parameter | Normal Finding | Possible Abnormal Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Glycophorin A (CD235a) expression | Positive (present) on mature red blood cells and erythroid precursors | Absent or reduced in certain leukaemias; normal on PNH clones but used to isolate them for CD55/CD59 testing |
| GPA sites per red blood cell | 1.86 to 4.9 × 10⁵ sites per cell | Values outside this range may indicate a disorder |
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
Some circumstances can alter how results appear:
- Recent blood transfusions may change the proportion of cells expressing Glycophorin A, making interpretation more complex.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can suppress bone marrow activity and affect the number of erythroid cells detected.
- Certain inherited genetic conditions affecting red blood cell function may produce atypical results even in the absence of an acquired disorder.
How to Maintain RBC Health
While this test is not part of routine wellness screening, supporting red blood cell health in general is always beneficial:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods (such as lentils, spinach, and lean meat), vitamin B12 (found in dairy and eggs), and folate (found in leafy greens).
- Attend regular medical follow-ups if you have a known blood or bone marrow condition.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals or substances known to harm bone marrow function, and discuss any such exposure with your doctor.
Lupin Diagnostics Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry Price and Home Collection
The Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹2,200, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2200 |
| CHENNAI | 2200 |
| HYDERABAD | 2200 |
| KOLKATA | 2200 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2200 |
| PUNE | 2200 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking the Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry test online is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred time slot
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for this test across multiple cities, making it convenient to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced laboratory professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry test identifies and measures a specific protein on red blood cells to help diagnose blood and bone marrow disorders. It is particularly useful for evaluating conditions such as myelodysplastic syndrome, erythroid leukaemia, and supporting paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) workups by gating red blood cells. Your hematologist will review the results alongside other findings.
Your doctor may have ordered this test to investigate unexplained anemia, an abnormal blood count, or a suspected disorder involving red blood cell development. The test helps determine whether erythroid cells (red blood cell precursors) are developing normally in your bone marrow. It also supports disease tracking in patients already diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome or leukaemia.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. However, you should bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms and previous test records, as this information is required for accurate interpretation.
An abnormal result suggests that there may be an issue with how your red blood cells or their precursors are developing, but it does not confirm a specific diagnosis on its own. Additional tests are usually needed to determine the exact cause. A hematologist will guide the next steps based on your full clinical picture.
The report is typically available within 3 days of sample collection. Once ready, your report will be shared via email or WhatsApp through Lupin Diagnostics' digital reporting system.
If your results are abnormal, you should consult a hematologist, who specialises in blood and bone marrow disorders. They will review your results in the context of your symptoms and overall health before recommending any further steps.
Yes, certain medications, particularly those that affect bone marrow or red blood cell production, can influence results. Chemotherapy drugs and some antibiotics are among the substances known to have this effect. Always inform your doctor and the collection staff about any medications or supplements you are taking before the test.
Glycophorin A by Flowcytometry
