Overview: CD5 Flow Cytometry Test
Introduction: The CD5 Flow Cytometry Test detects CD5 markers to diagnose lymphoma or leukemia, causing night sweats or weight loss. Following 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: CD5 Flow Assay, T-Cell/B-Cell Marker Test.

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

Historical Milestone: CD5 testing began in the 1980s with lymphoma research. Flow cytometry emerged in the 1990s, and standardized panels improved accuracy by the 2000s.

Purpose: Diagnoses lymphoma or leukemia, guides treatment, and monitors CD5 markers in patients with night sweats or weight loss.

Test Parameters: 1. CD5

Pretest Condition: No fasting required. Collect whole blood or bone marrow at any time. Report symptoms like night sweats or weight loss, 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 night sweats, weight loss, 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 CD5 markers. Results are available in 1-2 days, enabling rapid clinical decisions.

Factors Affecting Result Accuracy: Poor sample quality or low cell yield can affect results. Non-malignant conditions may express CD5.

Clinical Significance: Positive CD5 expression suggests lymphoma or leukemia, prompting treatment. Negative results may require additional marker testing.

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

Additional Supporting Tests: Bone marrow biopsy, other flow cytometry markers (e.g., CD23, CD19), or PET scan to confirm lymphoma/leukemia.

Test Limitations: Non-specific expression may occur in non-malignant conditions. Results require clinical correlation.

References: ASH Leukemia Guidelines, 2023; Blood, Arber DA, 2022.