Overview: CD2 Flow Cytometry Test
Introduction: The CD2 Flow Cytometry Test detects CD2 markers to diagnose lymphoma or leukemia, causing fatigue or night sweats. Aligned with 2023 ASH guidelines, it uses flow cytometry for high specificity, aiding in cancer screening. This test is critical for guiding diagnosis, treatment, and improving outcomes in hematology for patients with suspected hematologic malignancies.

Other Names: CD2 Flow Assay, T-Cell Marker Test.

FDA Status: Laboratory-developed test (LDT), meeting hematology standards for diagnostic accuracy.

Historical Milestone: CD2 testing began in the 1980s with lymphoma and leukemia research. Flow cytometry emerged in the 1990s, and by the 2000s, standardized panels improved accuracy for marker detection.

Purpose: Diagnoses lymphoma or leukemia, guides treatment, and monitors CD2 markers in patients with fatigue or night sweats.

Test Parameters: 1. CD2

Pretest Condition: No fasting required. Collect whole blood or bone marrow at any time. Report symptoms like fatigue or night sweats, and list medications.

Specimen: 2-5 mL whole blood (EDTA) or 2-5 mL bone marrow (EDTA). Transport in a biohazard bag within 24 hours.

Sample Stability at Room Temperature: 24 hours

Sample Stability at Refrigeration: 48 hours

Sample Stability at Frozen: Not frozen

Medical History: Document fatigue, night sweats, or history of lymphoma/leukemia. Include current medications, especially chemotherapeutics.

Consent: Written consent required, detailing the tests purpose, diagnostic implications, and potential need for cancer therapy.

Procedural Considerations: Uses flow cytometry to detect CD2 markers on cell surfaces. Results are available in 1-2 days, enabling rapid clinical decisions. Performed in laboratories with specialized equipment.

Factors Affecting Result Accuracy: Poor sample quality, low cell yield, or improper storage can affect results. Non-malignant conditions may express CD2, requiring careful interpretation.

Clinical Significance: Positive CD2 expression suggests lymphoma or leukemia, prompting targeted therapy or further diagnostic workup. Negative results may necessitate additional marker testing to rule out malignancy.

Specialist Consultation: Consult a hematologist or oncologist for result interpretation and treatment planning.

Additional Supporting Tests: Bone marrow biopsy, other flow cytometry markers (e.g., CD5, CD7), or PET scan to confirm lymphoma/leukemia diagnosis.

Test Limitations: Non-specific CD2 expression may occur in non-malignant conditions, such as infections. Results require clinical correlation to avoid misdiagnosis.

References: ASH Lymphoma Guidelines, 2023; Blood, Swerdlow SH, 2022.