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B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) protein in peripheral blood cells

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

This test measures the amount of BCL6 protein in your white blood cells, which may help assess certain immune-related conditions.

Quick summary

BCL6 protein levels can provide insights into immune function and potential blood disorders.

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
78213-6
Short code
BCL6 FISH
Synonyms
Cells.BCL6 rear/Cells cnt NFr Bld/T FISH
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
For whole blood: Sodium heparin (green-top) tube, preferred for cytogenetic/FISH analysis. EDTA (lavender-top) tube may also be acceptable. For tissue: Sterile container with RPMI 1640 transport medium or sterile saline.
Units
N/A
Ref low
3
Ref high
15
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–99 years
Method
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
CPT
88377
SNOMED
447571006
Specimen volume
Whole blood: 3-5 mL. Bone marrow: 2-3 mL in sodium heparin. Tissue: 0.5-1 cm³ fresh tissue in transport medium.
Stability
Whole blood: Room temperature 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 48 hours. Tissue: Fresh tissue should be delivered to lab within 1 hour; in transport medium, stable at 4°C for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
72–168 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to abnormal immune cell activity, such as certain lymphomas or autoimmune disorders. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for unexplained blood abnormalities or immune system monitoring.

What Does the Test Involve?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The white blood cells are then analyzed for BCL6 protein levels using a specialized laboratory technique.

What Are Normal Results?

There are no universally established reference ranges for BCL6 protein in peripheral blood cells, as its interpretation depends on clinical context and patient-specific factors.

What Might Abnormal Results Mean?

Elevated or altered BCL6 protein levels may suggest conditions like certain lymphomas (e.g., diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) or other immune-related disorders. However, results must be evaluated alongside clinical findings and other diagnostic tests.

Reference range

Negative for BCL6 gene rearrangement. Normal cutoff: <10% of cells with split signals or fusion signals (laboratory-specific cutoff may apply, typically 3-15% depending on probe set and validation). Positive result indicates BCL6 gene rearrangement is present.N/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No fasting required. Patient should be informed about the genetic nature of the test. Informed consent may be required depending on institutional policy. For tissue samples, ensure proper coordination with surgical or biopsy suite for fresh specimen collection.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical significance: Elevated BCL6 protein is often associated with malignant B-cell proliferation, but its role in non-malignant conditions or early-stage disease may require further investigation. Results should be discussed with your healthcare provider to guide diagnosis or treatment planning.

Short name

BCL6 Protein Level

Frequently asked questions

Will I Need to Prepare for This Test?
No special preparation is typically required. You may be asked to fast before the blood draw if other tests are being performed simultaneously, but this is not always the case for this specific test.
How Long Will Results Take to Come Back?
Results are usually available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on laboratory processing times and your healthcare provider’s workflow.
Can This Test Be Done at Home?
No, this test requires a laboratory sample collected by a healthcare professional. Home blood tests are not available for this specific analyte.
  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