Flow cytometry testing is used to evaluate hematologic malignancies, lymphoproliferative disorders, immunodeficiencies, and selected body fluid specimens.
Specimen Collection Requirements
|
Specimen Type |
Tube/Collection Container |
Storage |
|
Peripheral Blood |
Sodium heparin (preferred) |
Room Temperature |
|
Bone Marrow |
Sodium heparin (preferred) |
Room Temperature |
|
Tissue/Lymph node |
RPMI Media |
Refrigerated |
|
Body Fluids (CSF, Pleural, BAL, etc.) |
Sterile container or EDTA tube |
Refrigerated |
Common Orders
|
Epic Order |
Lab Code |
Use |
|
Acute Leukemia Panel, Flow Cytometry |
LAB18303 |
Evaluation of blasts and acute leukemia |
|
B-Cell CLL/Lymphoma Panel, Flow Cytometry |
LAB18304 |
Evaluation of lymphocytes for lymphoproliferative disorders. |
|
Body Fluid/Tissue Lymphoma Panel, Flow Cytometry |
LAB6946 |
Evaluation of body fluid or tissue for lymphoma. |
|
T-Helper Cells (CD4) Count |
LAB342 |
HIV monitoring |
|
Lymph Subset (T and B Cell) |
LAB2458 |
Immunodeficiency evaluation |
NOTE: If unsure of which test to order for peripheral blood or bone marrow samples based on the above information use “Flow Cytometry Leukemia/Lymphoma Panel” order set:
· Ambulatory (O412333)
· Inpatient (O412321)
Answering the order questions will cascade to the appropriate lab test.
Special instructions:
Requisition orders for “Flow Cytometry” must be specific to the panel requested or have the clinical indication for the reason flow testing has been requested. Orders without this information will require follow-up that will lead to delays in testing.
Additional Information:
· Acute Leukemia Panel
o Bone marrow is the preferred specimen for this test.
o Peripheral blood is acceptable when blasts are present.
o Reflex CBC with Differential performed when applicable.
· B-Cell Clonal/Lymphoma panel
o Peripheral blood or bone marrow are accepted.
o Used to evaluate CLL or lymphoma.
· Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
o CD4/CD8 Ratio reflexes automatically when lymphocyte count is ≥15%.
o Fluid Cell Count and Differential is required for this reflex testing to occur.
· Tissue Specimens
o Tissue sample should be placed in RPMI media as soon as possible after collection.
o Generally ordered in conjunction with pathology review of the tissue.
For questions regarding ordering tests or specimen requirements contact Client Response Center 260-266-1500