Blast Cell Number Fraction, Bone Marrow — Flow Cytometry
A flow cytometry test that measures the proportion of blast cells in a bone marrow sample and helps characterize their cell-surface markers.
["This test measures immature blood-forming cells in bone marrow to help evaluate and monitor blood cancers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 107055-6
- Short code
- Blasts.HLA-DR+ NFr Mar FC
- Synonyms
- Blasts.HLA-DR+ NFr Mar FC
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- 0.1 N/A – 20 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?
Blast cells are immature blood-forming cells that normally develop into mature blood cells. This test measures their proportion in bone marrow and uses flow cytometry to examine their cell-surface characteristics.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be used to investigate unexplained blood-count abnormalities, evaluate suspected leukemia or lymphoma, classify blood cancers, and monitor response to treatment. It is often performed with other bone marrow, blood, and genetic tests.
How is the test performed?
A clinician removes a small amount of liquid bone marrow, usually with a needle. The laboratory analyzes the cells using flow cytometry, which identifies cells based on specific markers; a bone marrow biopsy may also be collected for tissue examination.
How do I prepare for the test?
There is usually no fasting requirement, but follow the clinic's instructions about medicines, blood thinners, allergies, and sedation or local anesthetic. Contact the healthcare team before the procedure if you have concerns about bleeding or medication use.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An increased proportion of blast cells may occur in acute leukemia and other disorders of blood-cell production. Flow cytometry can also help identify the type of blast cells. Results must be interpreted with blood counts, bone marrow findings, genetic testing, and the clinical picture because an abnormal result alone does not establish a diagnosis.
Short name
Bone Marrow Blast Percentage
Frequently asked questions
What are blast cells?
Does an abnormal result mean I have leukemia?
Is this the same as a bone marrow biopsy?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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