CD52 (Fc fragment of IgG receptor CD52) Quantification by Flow Cytometry
This test measures the level of CD52, a protein found on the surface of certain immune cells, which helps identify conditions affecting these cells.
["CD52 levels may help diagnose or monitor diseases involving immune cell abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 100991-9
- Short code
- CD52FC
- Synonyms
- CD52 cell express eval Spec Doc FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile tube containing anticoagulant appropriate for flow cytometry (sodium heparin or EDTA tube). For serum specimens, collect in a serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube. Specimen must be kept at room temperature and processed within established stability limits.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 88184
- SNOMED
- 4405009
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1 mL of whole blood in anticoagulant or 1 mL of serum. For bone marrow or tissue specimens, submit in sterile saline or RPMI 1640 medium.
- Stability
- Whole blood: 24-48 hours at room temperature (18-25°C); do not refrigerate or freeze. Serum: stable for 24 hours at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Sample viability and antigen preservation decrease with prolonged storage.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is CD52?
CD52 is a protein (also called a marker) that appears on the surface of certain white blood cells, including B cells, T cells, and some natural killer cells. It plays a role in immune system function and can be targeted by certain treatments.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to immune cell disorders, such as certain cancers (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia) or autoimmune diseases. It may also be used to monitor treatment responses.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small amount of your blood is drawn, typically from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then analyzed in a lab using flow cytometry, a technique that detects and measures specific proteins on cells.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are not provided in absolute numbers but rather as a qualitative (qualitative) or semi-quantitative assessment of CD52 presence. Higher or lower levels may indicate different health conditions or responses to treatment.
Reference range
CD52 expression is reported as percentage of cells expressing the antigen (% positive) and/or as median fluorescence intensity (MFI). Interpretation depends on clinical context and disease entity. In normal lymphocytes, CD52 is typically expressed at high levels on B cells, T cells, NK cells, monocytes, and granulocytes. Aberrant loss or dim expression may be reported in conditions such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or post-rituximab therapy. Reference ranges are laboratory-specific; results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Recent monoclonal antibody therapy (e.g., rituximab, alemtuzumab) may affect CD52 expression patterns and should be disclosed to the laboratory.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated or reduced CD52 levels can signal underlying immune-related disorders. For example, low CD52 is often associated with certain cancers treated with monoclonal antibodies like alemtuzumab. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Short name
CD52 Level
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel pain during the blood draw?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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