Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CLL Flow Cytometry Panel, CLL Immunophenotyping, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Panel by Flow Cytometry, CLPD Panel, B-CLL Diagnostic Panel |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults over 50 years with suspected lymphoproliferative disorders; both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹17,000 |
What is a Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test?
The Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test is a specialised diagnostic test that analyses white blood cells for abnormal surface proteins. It is used to diagnose chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer that affects lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Doctors may also order this test to monitor how well a patient is responding to treatment. Two samples are required: a peripheral blood sample (taken from a vein) and a bone marrow aspirate.
What Does a Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
This test identifies specific proteins, called markers, on the surface of blood cells. The pattern of markers present helps distinguish CLL from other blood cancers. The following key markers are examined:
| Marker | Role in CLL Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| CD19 | Confirms B-lymphocyte lineage (the type of white blood cell affected in CLL) |
| CD5 | Normally a T-cell marker; its presence on B-cells is characteristic of CLL |
| CD20 | A B-cell marker expressed weakly (dimly) in CLL |
| CD23 | A B-cell activation marker; typically positive in CLL |
| CD200 | Strongly expressed in CLL; helps rule out mantle cell lymphoma |
| Kappa and Lambda light chains | Assess whether cells originate from a single abnormal clone, indicating malignancy |
| CD38 | A prognostic marker; higher levels may suggest more active disease |
| CD79b | Expressed dimly or not at all in CLL; assists in distinguishing CLL from other B-cell cancers |
Why is a Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a disorder of the lymphocytes, or when a patient needs ongoing monitoring after a CLL diagnosis. The reasons for testing vary from initial investigation to follow-up care.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms can prompt a doctor to request the CLL immunophenotyping test. These include:
- Swollen lymph nodes (lumps in the neck, armpit, or groin)
- Persistent fatigue with no clear cause
- Frequent infections that are slow to clear
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Feeling full quickly after eating small amounts (due to an enlarged spleen)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test can help identify several blood-related conditions:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), the most common leukaemia in adults
- Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), which is closely related to CLL
- Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (a precursor condition that may progress to CLL)
- Mantle cell lymphoma (differentiated from CLL using this panel)
- Hairy cell leukaemia
- Other B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders
Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in ongoing CLL management. It is used to monitor treatment response and detect minimal residual disease (MRD), which refers to very small numbers of cancer cells that may remain after treatment. Monitoring MRD helps doctors assess whether a patient has achieved remission and guides decisions about further care. Testing is commonly performed at the end of a treatment course and during follow-up appointments.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test procedure is straightforward, but a few steps help ensure an accurate result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is needed before this test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, as these may affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help make your visit go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Carry your most recent complete blood count (CBC) report if one is available
- If you have had flow cytometry testing done at another laboratory previously, bring those reports along
- Wear clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up easily for the blood draw
- Stay well hydrated before your appointment
Step-by-Step Procedure
The test involves collecting two separate samples. Here is what to expect:
Peripheral Blood Collection
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin over a vein in your arm.
- A sterile needle is used to draw approximately 3 mL of blood into a lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
- The sample is labelled immediately and set aside for transport.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Collection
- A doctor will collect approximately 3 ml of bone marrow, usually from the hip bone, using a specialised needle. This procedure is done at the centre under appropriate conditions.
- The marrow sample is collected into a green-top (sodium heparin) tube.
- Both samples are stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and dispatched to the laboratory, where they are stained with fluorescent dyes and analysed using laser-based flow cytometry equipment.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect the quality of your results:
- Sample clotting renders the test unusable
- Breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis) in the sample
- Using the wrong collection tube or anticoagulant
- Delays in processing beyond 36 hours after collection
- Freezing the sample, which damages the cells
- Recent blood transfusions, which can alter lymphocyte populations
- Active infections, which may cause a temporary rise in lymphocytes and complicate interpretation
Understanding Your Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test Results
Results from this test are reported as a pattern of marker expression across the cell population. A haematologist or pathologist interprets the findings in the context of your clinical history. The table below outlines typical findings:
| Parameter | Normal Finding | CLL Finding |
|---|---|---|
| CD5/CD19 co-expression | Absent on most B-cells | Present (aberrant co-expression) |
| CD20 expression | Bright | Dim (weak) |
| CD23 expression | Variable | Positive (moderate to bright) |
| CD200 expression | Variable | Positive (bright) |
| Kappa to Lambda ratio | 1:1 to 2:1 (both light chains present) | Monotypic (restricted to one light chain) |
| Surface immunoglobulin | Bright | Dim (weak) |
| FMC-7 | Positive | Negative |
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 clinical situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- A recent blood transfusion may alter the proportions of lymphocyte populations in the sample.
- An ongoing infection can cause a temporary increase in lymphocytes that may resemble a malignant pattern, requiring careful clinical correlation.
- Immunosuppressive medications may alter how certain markers appear on the cell surface.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
There are no specific lifestyle measures that prevent CLL, but the following general habits support overall well-being:
- Attend regular health check-ups, particularly if you are over 50 years of age
- Report persistent swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fatigue, or recurrent infections to your doctor without delay
- Maintain a balanced diet and reasonable physical activity to support immune function
Lupin Diagnostics Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test Price
The Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹17,000. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is unavailable due to the specialised sample-handling requirements.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 17000 |
| CHENNAI | 17000 |
| HYDERABAD | 17000 |
| KOLKATA | 17000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 17000 |
| PUNE | 17000 |
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.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flow cytometry is a laboratory technique that analyses thousands of cells per second using laser beams. It identifies specific proteins on the surface of cells, helping doctors quickly characterise an abnormal cell population, determine its lineage, and confirm or rule out a diagnosis such as CLL. This makes it one of the most reliable tools available for diagnosing blood cancer.
CD5 is normally found on T-cells, not B-cells. When B-cells express CD5 abnormally, as in CLL, this is a key diagnostic signal. The CLL Flow Cytometry Panel assesses aberrant CD5 expression on CD19-positive B-cells to support a CLL diagnosis.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. It is important, however, to bring your clinical history and any previous blood or flow cytometry reports, as these are required for the test.
Results are typically ready within 3 days. The flow cytometry analysis itself takes a short time, but sample preparation and expert interpretation by a specialist pathologist add to the overall turnaround period.
Yes. The CLL immunophenotyping panel is sensitive enough to detect very small numbers of remaining cancer cells after treatment, a measurement known as minimal residual disease (MRD). This helps doctors assess whether treatment has been effective and whether a patient is in remission.
Both conditions involve the same abnormal B-cell clone. CLL is diagnosed when there are at least 5 billion monoclonal B-lymphocytes per litre of peripheral blood. SLL is diagnosed when the lymphocyte count in the blood is lower, but enlarged lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen are present. Flow cytometry helps confirm the diagnosis in both cases.
This test requires two sample types: peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate. Bone marrow collection is a medical procedure that must be performed by a doctor at a clinical centre. Both samples must also be handled carefully and processed within specific time limits, making centre-based collection essential for accurate results.
Leukaemia Panel, CLL, by Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
