B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Blood test

B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel

Definition:

This is a test that looks for characteristic "marker" proteins on the surface of B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). These markers may be helpful in the diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma.

Alternative Names:

B lymphocyte cell surface markers

How the test is performed:

A sample of white blood cells is obtained by drawing blood from a vein, or less commonly, bone marrow biopsy. The test may also be done on a lymph node biopsy when lymphoma is suspected.

Blood is usually drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

In the laboratory, the sample of white blood cells will undergo immunophenotyping (determination of the specific cell type and characteristics).

How to prepare for the test:

No special preparation is usually necessary.

For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed:

This test may be performed when other tests (such as a blood smear) indicate abnormal white blood cells, when leukemia or lymphoma is suspected, or to differentiate the type of leukemia or lymphoma.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal results on this test may indicate lymphocytic leukemia or lymphoma. (Leukemia is the uncontrolled growth of white blood cells. Lymphoma is a tumor of the lymph nodes or lymph tissue.)

What the risks are:

excessive bleeding
fainting or feeling light-headed
hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations:

This test is highly specialized and may not be available at all general laboratories.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.