Baseline flow cytometry studies performed at time of diagnosis or prior to initiating treatment (HEM)
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Baseline Flow Cytometry Studies (also known as Flow Cytometry, Immunophenotyping)
Summary
Baseline flow cytometry studies are a type of laboratory test performed at the time of diagnosis or before starting treatment for certain blood-related conditions. This test uses a technology that analyzes the physical and chemical characteristics of cells in a fluid sample, commonly blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes.
Purpose
These studies are used to diagnose and classify different types of blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. They also help in monitoring the disease course and response to treatment. The goal is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the cellular makeup of a patient's blood or tissue sample to guide treatment decisions.
Indications
- Unexpected and unexplained blood cell counts
- Symptoms such as fatigue, bruising, frequent infections, or swollen lymph nodes
- Suspicion or diagnosis of hematologic malignancies like leukemia or lymphoma
- Monitoring the effectiveness of ongoing treatment for blood cancers
Preparation
- Typically, no special preparation like fasting is required.
- Patients may need to inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are currently taking.
- A complete blood count (CBC) test or other relevant lab tests might be done beforehand.
Procedure Description
- Sample Collection: Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm, or a sample of bone marrow is taken. In some cases, tissue from a lymph node may be collected.
- Cell Staining: The collected sample is treated with special antibodies that bind to specific proteins on the cells' surface and are tagged with fluorescent dyes.
Flow Cytometry Analysis: The labeled cells are passed through a laser beam within the flow cytometer. The machine measures the fluorescence emitted by each cell, providing data about cell types and characteristics.
No anesthesia or sedation is typically required.
Duration
The sample collection process usually takes about 5-15 minutes. However, the analysis might take a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the test.
Setting
This procedure is performed in a laboratory, often within a hospital or a specialized diagnostic center.
Personnel
- Phlebotomist or nurse (for sample collection)
- Laboratory technician or technologist
- Hematologist or pathologist (for data interpretation)
Risks and Complications
- Common: Mild discomfort or bruising at the sample collection site.
- Rare: Infection at the sample collection site, especially if bone marrow aspiration is performed.
Benefits
- Accurate diagnosis and classification of blood disorders.
- Helps in planning effective treatment strategies.
- Provides valuable information about treatment response.
Recovery
- Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after sample collection.
- If bone marrow aspiration was performed, there might be some soreness at the puncture site for a few days.
- Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and treatment plans.
Alternatives
- Peripheral blood smear: Manual examination of blood cells under a microscope.
- Bone marrow biopsy: A more invasive procedure providing additional information on cell lineage and morphology.
- Genetic and molecular testing: Complementary tests to identify specific mutations associated with blood cancers.
Patient Experience
- Patients may feel a brief pinch or sting during blood draw.
- Slight pressure or discomfort if bone marrow aspiration is performed.
- Minimal to no pain, and any discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.