Understanding Your Test: What It Is, How It Is Performed, and What to Expect
A laboratory test that uses flow cytometry to detect cells with abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploidy) in a blood sample.
{"This test identifies cells with abnormal chromosome numbers","Sample is collected via blood draw","Mainly used for cancer diagnosis and monitoring","Results help doctors understand cell abnormalities","Abnormal results may indicate cancer or genetic disorders"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30915-3
- Short code
- ANEUFC
- Synonyms
- Aneuploid Cells NFr Spec FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile specimen container appropriate for specimen type: EDTA (lavender top) tube for peripheral blood or bone marrow; sterile saline or RPMI for tissue/fluid specimens
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 88184
- SNOMED
- 395146009
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 mL for fluid specimens (peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirate, body fluids); tissue specimens should be at least 0.5 cm³ in sterile medium
- Stability
- Peripheral blood/bone marrow: stable at room temperature (18-25°C) for up to 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 48 hours. Tissue specimens: should be processed within 24 hours of collection in sterile transport medium.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a diagnostic tool that helps your healthcare provider evaluate how your body is functioning and look for signs of illness or other health conditions that may need further evaluation or treatment.
The Aneuploidy Detection test uses flow cytometry to examine cells in your blood sample for abnormal chromosome numbers. Normally, human cells contain 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). Aneuploidy occurs when cells have extra or missing chromosomes. This test can detect these abnormalities by measuring the DNA content of individual cells.
A trained member of your care team performs the test, usually during a routine office visit or at a lab. The exact steps depend on the type of test ordered, but most involve collecting a small sample of blood, urine, or tissue, or using a safe imaging device to examine the inside of your body.
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians use flow cytometry equipment to analyze the cells. The machine measures DNA content in thousands of individual cells, looking for patterns that indicate aneuploidy.
You can expect the test to be quick and generally comfortable. If a sample is collected, you may feel a brief pinch or slight pressure, and most people can return to their normal activities right away. Your care team will explain each step and answer any questions you have along the way.
The blood draw is a routine procedure that takes only a few minutes. You may feel a brief pinch or mild discomfort when the needle is inserted. After the blood is collected, you can resume your normal activities immediately. No special preparation, such as fasting, is typically required.
Reference range
No aneuploid cell population detected. DNA index = 1.0 (normal diploid). Interpretation depends on clinical context and specimen type.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected under standard sterile conditions. For bone marrow or tissue specimens, collection should be performed by qualified personnel following institutional protocols.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Aneuploidy detection is primarily used in oncology (cancer care). Many cancer cells have abnormal chromosome numbers, and detecting aneuploidy can help diagnose certain cancers, determine prognosis, and monitor treatment response. This test may also be useful in evaluating genetic disorders and understanding why certain cells are behaving abnormally.
Your doctor will interpret the test results in context with other clinical findings, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to make a complete assessment of your health condition.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my doctor order this test?
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What do abnormal results mean?
Sources
- 1LOINC Code ReferenceSource
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy