Cll flow cytometry test: what it's used for and how it works

A flow cytometry test is an important part of the diagnostic process for CLL. It can determine that you have CLL and not another form of leukemia. The test can also help doctors stage your

cancer and better understand your outlook. Once a doctor diagnoses and stages CLL, they can work with you on a treatment plan. Keep reading to learn more about the CLL flow cytometry test —

when doctors use it, how it works, and more. How is CLL flow cytometry used to diagnose leukemia? Flow cytometry is a machine that looks for markers in or on cells that can help identify

those cells. Doctors can use it to check whether white blood cells called lymphocytes are cancerous. It can also determine what type of cancer cells are present and how many there are.

Information from a CLL flow cytometry test can help doctors: * confirm a diagnosis * identify whether cells have certain markers that make them more or less aggressive * determine the

staging of cancer * choose your initial treatment Flow cytometry can also identify cancer cells in bone marrow. What is CLL flow cytometry? Flow cytometers are able to determine the

properties of individual cells. They can provide information such as: * cell DNA * cell DNA expression * new cell DNA * cell proteins * cell surfaces receptors * cell size * cell structure *

cell antigen signaling Flow cytometers get this data from a sample of a person’s blood or bone marrow. Blood or bone marrow samples are treated with specialized biologic stains called

fluorochromes that highlight cellular markers. The samples are then diluted before being passed through a laser. As the samples pass through the laser, irregular cells light up, which the

machine counts. It processes this data into information that doctors can read and interpret. What do the test results show? The results of a flow cytometry test will show the number of

irregular cells present in white blood cells or bone marrow. A diagnosis of CLL requires at least 5,000 irregular cells per microliter of blood. Numbers beyond this can help doctors stage

CLL and can help them plan your treatment. Test results can also show specific makers that can indicate outlook. For instance, flow cytometry can detect antigens called ZAP-70 or CD38 in CLL

cells. According to the American Cancer Society, people with CLL who have lower numbers of these antigens may have a better overall outlook. What other tests can diagnose leukemia? Flow

cytometry isn’t the only test doctors use to diagnose leukemia. Your first step will be a doctor’s appointment that will include a medical history and physical exam. A doctor will ask about

your symptoms and examine your lymph nodes and other areas. They might refer you to a cancer specialist for further testing. You’ll likely have several other tests to confirm a diagnosis of

CLL. These might include: * COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC): A CBC measures the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. People with CLL often show too many lymphocytes, which are a

type of white blood cell. They might also have a low level of red blood cells and platelets. * PERIPHERAL BLOOD SMEAR: This looks at a sample of your blood under a microscope to check how

many of your lymphocytes look abnormal. * BONE MARROW BIOPSY AND ASPIRATION: Bone marrow biopsies and aspirations remove samples of your bone marrow fluid and bone marrow for lab testing.

The procedures involve inserting two long and thin needles into your hip bone. The first needle removes the sample of bone marrow fluid, and the second needle removes the bone marrow. *

CYTOGENETIC TESTS: Cytogenetic tests use samples of bone marrow cells to grow new cells in a lab. This allows doctors to see the chromosomes of a person with CLL and can help determine

outlook. * FLUORESCENT IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION (FISH): A FISH test looks at the chromosomes already present in blood or bone marrow samples. The test uses a special dye to look for changes

associated with CLL. * IMAGING TESTS: Imaging tests such as MRIs and X-rays aren’t usually part of CLL testing. However, you might have them if your doctor suspects swelling in your lymph

nodes or any organs. What are the next steps after diagnosis? The results of all your tests will help determine the stage and progression of your cancer. Doctors factor in other information,

such as your age and overall health, to decide the best treatment plan for you. You and your doctor can discuss available treatment options and what they would mean for you. You can proceed

with a treatment plan decided upon by you and your doctor or take your results to another cancer specialist to get a second option and more treatment options. Either way, once you have a

diagnosis, you’ll be able to make choices and start treatment. Takeaway  Flow cytometry is part of the CLL diagnostic process. It helps diagnose CLL and rule out other types of leukemia. The

test is able to read information about individual cells. It can help determine how many lymphocytes are cancerous. This can confirm a diagnosis of CLL, stage CLL, help determine treatment,

and indicate the outlook. Flow cytometry isn’t the only diagnostic test for CLL but is one of the most important.