FLOW CYTOMETRY, CD 36

The Flow Cytometry CD36 Test is a specialized immunophenotyping assay used to detect and measure the expression of CD36, a multifunctional cell surface glycoprotein found on various blood and tissue cells, including monocytes, macrophages, platelets, erythroid precursors, and certain myeloid cells. CD36 plays an important role in lipid metabolism, cellular adhesion, immune responses, and phagocytosis.

Flow cytometry technology enables rapid analysis of thousands of cells individually, allowing precise identification and characterization of CD36-positive cell populations. In hematology, CD36 is frequently included in comprehensive immunophenotyping panels used to evaluate acute leukemias, myeloid neoplasms, erythroid disorders, and other bone marrow abnormalities.

The expression pattern of CD36 can provide valuable information regarding cell lineage, maturation status, and disease classification. It is particularly useful when interpreted alongside other myeloid, monocytic, and erythroid markers during the diagnostic evaluation of hematological malignancies.

Benefits of the Test

• Identifies CD36-positive cell populations
• Assists in leukemia immunophenotyping
• Supports evaluation of myeloid and monocytic disorders
• Helps classify hematological malignancies
• Assists in bone marrow disorder assessment
• Provides valuable diagnostic information

Why Doctors Recommend This Test

Doctors may recommend Flow Cytometry CD36 testing for:

• Suspected Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Monocytic leukemia evaluation
• Bone marrow disorder investigation
• Myelodysplastic syndrome assessment
• Erythroid lineage evaluation
• Hematological malignancy workup
• Abnormal blood count investigation
• Comprehensive flow cytometry panels

The test helps characterize abnormal cell populations and contributes to accurate disease diagnosis.

Preparation Before Test

The test may require:

• Peripheral blood sample
• Bone marrow aspirate
• Body fluid specimen
• Other clinically appropriate samples

Preparation generally includes:

• No fasting is required
• Inform your physician about ongoing treatments
• Follow laboratory collection instructions

The sample is processed and analyzed using advanced multiparameter flow cytometry techniques.

Normal Reporting Time

Results are generally available within 1 to 3 working days, depending on laboratory workflow and panel complexity.

Who Should Take This Test?

• Patients with suspected leukemia
• Individuals with abnormal blood counts
• Patients undergoing bone marrow evaluation
• Individuals with suspected myeloid disorders
• Patients requiring hematological immunophenotyping
• Individuals referred by hematologists or oncologists

Flow Cytometry CD36 testing is an important component of modern hematology diagnostics and leukemia classification.

Clinical Significance

CD36 expression may be observed in:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Monocytic Leukemia
• Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
• Erythroid Precursor Disorders
• Myeloid Neoplasms
• Monocyte-Related Disorders
• Certain Bone Marrow Abnormalities

Abnormal CD36 expression patterns may assist in determining cell lineage and differentiating specific hematological disorders.

Important Note

CD36 is generally interpreted alongside additional markers such as CD13, CD14, CD15, CD33, CD34, CD45, CD64, CD117, Glycophorin A, and HLA-DR. Accurate diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation by a hematopathologist in correlation with clinical findings and other laboratory investigations.