Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry IgM Heavy Chain Surface Test
Short Name: IgM Flow Cytometry
Also known as: Flow Cytometry IgM Heavy Chain Test, IgM Surface Immunophenotyping, Flow Cytometry Lymphoma Panel, B-cell Immunophenotyping IgM
Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry IgM Heavy Chain Surface Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses Flow Cytometry on Whole Blood or Bone Marrow samples. Results in Sample collected daily by 9 AM; report available same day. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry IgM Heavy Chain Surface Test is to identify and characterize B-lymphocyte populations that express the IgM heavy chain on their cell surface. This test is used to detect clonal B-cell populations suggestive of lymphoproliferative disorders, differentiate between reactive and malignant lymphoproliferative processes, assist in subtyping lymphomas and leukaemias, evaluate suspected Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and monitor treatment response in certain B-cell malignancies.
- Test Code
- 1087
- CPT Code
- 88184
- ICD Code
- C85.9
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Whole Blood or Bone Marrow
- Result Time
- Sample collected daily by 9 AM; report available same day
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Flow Cytometry
Sample Collection
Provide a brief clinical history including presenting symptoms, prior diagnosis, treatment history, and reason for testing. No fasting is required. Inform the physician about any ongoing medications, especially chemotherapy or immunosuppressive agents.
Method: Venipuncture for blood; Bone Marrow Aspiration for bone marrow sample
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample of 3 mL each will be collected in an EDTA (Lavender Top) tube and a Sodium Heparin (Green Top) tube via venipuncture. If a bone marrow sample is required, 2 mL of bone marrow aspirate will be collected in a Sodium Heparin (Green Top) tube by the referring physician.
Report Delivery
Apply pressure at the venipuncture site for a few minutes to prevent bruising. The sample must be shipped immediately at 18–22°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Specify time, date, and clinical details on the test request form.
Timeline: Sample collected daily by 9 AM; report available same day
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry IgM Heavy Chain Surface Test is to identify and characterize B-lymphocyte populations that express the IgM heavy chain on their cell surface. This test is used to detect clonal B-cell populations suggestive of lymphoproliferative disorders, differentiate between reactive and malignant lymphoproliferative processes, assist in subtyping lymphomas and leukaemias, evaluate suspected Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and monitor treatment response in certain B-cell malignancies.
How to Prepare
- Collect 3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube AND 3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube
- Alternatively, collect 2 mL (1 mL min.) bone marrow in 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube
- Ship immediately at 18–22°C
- Do not refrigerate or freeze the sample
- Specify time of collection, date, and relevant clinical details on the test request form
- Include brief clinical history and suspected diagnosis with the sample
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry for IgM heavy chain surface expression is an essential investigation in the workup of suspected B-cell lymphomas and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. It helps in identifying clonal B-cell populations, distinguishing between reactive and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, and guides treatment planning. Combined with clinical examination, imaging, and histopathology, this test contributes significantly to an accurate and timely diagnosis."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received refrigerated or frozen
- Sample received after 24 hours at room temperature
- Sample collected in wrong anticoagulant
- Sample with insufficient volume
- Missing clinical details or test request form
Understanding Your Results
No evidence of a clonal B-cell population. Results are consistent with a reactive process or normal findings.
Findings are suggestive of a clonal B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Further subtyping using additional markers and correlation with clinical, histopathological, and molecular findings is recommended.
Pattern is characteristic of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) / Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL).
Pattern is consistent with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Confirmation with cyclin D1 expression or t(11;14) by FISH is recommended.
Pattern may be consistent with Marginal Zone Lymphoma or other low-grade B-cell lymphomas. Clinical and histopathological correlation is recommended.
Findings are consistent with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma). MYD88 mutation testing is recommended for confirmation.
Consult your haematologist or oncologist if your results show abnormal IgM expression, light chain restriction, or an aberrant immunophenotype suggestive of a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Early consultation is important for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Also consult if your symptoms persist or worsen despite normal results.
Limitations
- ⚠This test identifies surface marker expression but does not provide genetic or molecular information; additional FISH or PCR testing may be required
- ⚠Immunophenotyping results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings, histopathology, and imaging studies
- ⚠The test may not detect very small clonal populations below the limit of detection of flow cytometry
- ⚠Tissue-based lymphomas may require biopsy tissue for adequate immunophenotyping rather than peripheral blood or bone marrow alone
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or discomfort at the venipuncture site
- ●Slight risk of infection at the collection site (very rare)
- ●If bone marrow aspiration is performed, there may be localized pain at the aspiration site which typically resolves within a few days
Interfering Factors
- ●Sample collected in incorrect anticoagulant (must be EDTA and Sodium Heparin)
- ●Delayed sample processing beyond 24 hours at room temperature may affect cell viability and marker integrity
- ●Refrigeration or freezing of the sample prior to processing
- ●Recent chemotherapy or immunotherapy may alter marker expression patterns
- ●Very low cell count in the sample may limit the ability to perform comprehensive immunophenotyping
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry IgM Heavy Chain Surface Test | Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Peripheral Blood Smear Examination | Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) | Bone Marrow Biopsy with Histopathology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry IgM Heavy Chain Surface Test | CBC provides a general overview of blood cell counts and may indicate abnormalities suggestive of a haematological disorder, but it cannot identify specific cell surface markers or clonality. Flow cytometry immunophenotyping is required for specific marker identification. | A peripheral smear allows morphological assessment of blood cells and may reveal abnormal lymphocytes, but it cannot definitively identify the immunophenotype or clonality of cells. Flow cytometry provides objective, quantitative marker analysis. | SPEP detects abnormal immunoglobulin bands (M-protein) in the serum, which may indicate a lymphoproliferative disorder. However, it does not identify which specific cells are producing the protein. Flow cytometry identifies the cell population responsible. | Bone marrow biopsy provides architectural and morphological information about marrow involvement. It is complementary to flow cytometry, which provides detailed immunophenotypic characterization of the cells. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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