Skip to content

CD38 Expression on Blast Cells — Flow Cytometry

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

Measures CD38 protein on abnormal blast cells using flow cytometry. It helps characterize certain leukemias, lymphomas, and plasma-cell disorders.

Quick summary

["This test shows whether and how strongly blast cells express CD38, which can help classify blood cancers."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
107059-8
Short code
Blasts.CD38/Blasts NFr Spec FC
Synonyms
Blasts.CD38/Blasts NFr Spec FC
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
flow-cytometry
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test measures CD38, a cell-surface protein, on blast cells. Blasts are immature blood cells that do not mature normally. Flow cytometry is used to determine the presence and relative intensity of CD38 expression.

Why might I need this test?

CD38 measurement may be part of an evaluation for leukemia, lymphoma, or a plasma-cell disorder such as multiple myeloma. It can provide information about the likely cell type and subtype of an abnormal blood-cell population.

How is the test performed?

A blood or bone-marrow sample is analyzed by flow cytometry, which uses fluorescently labeled antibodies to identify cell markers. The laboratory evaluates CD38 together with other markers to interpret the blast population.

How do I prepare for the test?

Fasting is generally not required for this test. Preparation and collection instructions depend on whether blood or bone marrow is being tested, so follow the directions provided by your healthcare professional or laboratory.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CD38 on blast cells

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive CD38 result mean I have cancer?
No. CD38 can be present on normal cells as well as abnormal ones, and its presence alone does not diagnose cancer. Results must be interpreted with the complete flow-cytometry panel and clinical information.
What specimen is used for this test?
The specimen is commonly peripheral blood or bone marrow, depending on the clinical situation. The laboratory will specify the required sample when the test is ordered.
Does the test show how many blast cells are present?
Flow cytometry can show whether blast cells are present and whether they express CD38. The percentage of abnormal cells and other findings are generally reported as part of the broader leukemia or lymphoma evaluation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy