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Hematopoietic Stem Cell Progenitor Cell Count (CD34+ Cells)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the number of CD34+ cells in your blood, which are early-stage stem cells responsible for producing all blood cell types. It’s often used to assess bone marrow function or monitor treatments affecting stem cell populations.

Quick summary

["CD34+ cells help doctors track blood production and response to therapies like chemotherapy or stem cell transplants."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
74494-6
Short code
CD34FXIII
Synonyms
CD34+Fac XIII Ag Tiss ImStn
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
10% neutral buffered formalin container for routine paraffin-embedded tissue block; slides may be submitted as pre-cut unstained paraffin sections (4-5 μm) mounted on positively charged slides
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
immune-stain
CPT
88342
SNOMED
395125002
Specimen volume
Tissue block or minimum 4 unstained positively charged slides (4-5 μm thickness); recommended tissue area at least 1 cm² for adequate antigen assessment
Stability
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue block: indefinitely stable at room temperature. Unstained paraffin sections: stable for 6-12 months at room temperature; cut sections should be stained within 3 months for optimal antigen preservation. Fresh tissue should be fixed within 1 hour of collection.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
48–168 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have conditions like bone marrow failure, leukemia, or are undergoing treatments that could affect your blood cell production. It may also be used before or after stem cell transplants to check stem cell availability or recovery.

What Does the Test Involve?

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to count the CD34+ cells, which are a subset of white blood cells.

What Are the Results Typically Used For?

Results help determine if your bone marrow is producing enough stem cells, guide decisions about further treatments, or monitor recovery after stem cell therapies.

Common Conditions Monitored

Low CD34+ cell counts may indicate impaired blood production, while elevated counts could be seen in certain cancers or infections. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and medical history.

Reference range

Interpretive reporting only. Results expressed as percentage of positively stained cells (CD34) and staining intensity/distribution pattern (Factor XIII Ag) within tissue. Normal reference varies by tissue type; assessed by qualified pathologist.N/A

Specimen: serum

No patient fasting or special preparation required. Tissue specimen collection is performed by surgical biopsy, excision, or autopsy by the clinician. Specimen must be handled according to surgical pathology protocols with immediate fixation.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical significance: CD34+ cell counts are critical in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting blood cell production, such as aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndromes. They also play a key role in evaluating patients for stem cell donation or transplantation, ensuring sufficient stem cell reserves for successful procedures.

Short name

CD34+ Stem Cell Count

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you during your follow-up visit.
What does a low or high CD34+ cell count mean?
A low count may suggest bone marrow dysfunction or treatment-related damage, while a high count could be due to certain cancers, infections, or other underlying conditions. Your doctor will assess results alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy