Blast Cells, Whole Blood — Flow Cytometry
A blood test that detects and characterizes blast cells, which are immature white blood cells that may be increased with certain blood cancers.
["This test checks a blood sample for increased blast cells and helps identify their cell lineage when abnormal."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61126-9
- Short code
- Blasts NFr Spec FC
- Synonyms
- 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 blast cells in a blood sample. Blasts are immature white blood cells that normally develop into mature immune cells.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order it when unusual blood counts, symptoms such as fatigue, bruising, or infections, or another test suggests that increased blasts may be present. It can help evaluate possible leukemia or lymphoma and characterize the abnormal cells.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and examined using flow cytometry. The technology counts and analyzes markers on the cell surface to determine whether blasts are present and, when needed, which blood-cell lineage they belong to.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required beyond the instructions for the blood draw. Tell the healthcare team if you have recently received chemotherapy, a stem-cell transplant, or other treatment that may affect blood-cell production.
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 number of blasts in the blood may indicate an abnormal process involving bone marrow, such as leukemia or lymphoma. Increased blasts can also occur temporarily during recovery after intensive cancer treatment, so results must be interpreted with medical history and other blood tests. A small number of blasts may be present under some circumstances and is not automatically diagnostic of cancer.
Short name
Blood blast analysis by flow cytometry
Frequently asked questions
What are blast cells?
Does this test diagnose cancer by itself?
Why are both blood counts and flow cytometry needed?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy