Mast Cell Count, Bone Marrow — Flow Cytometry
Flow cytometry measures the number and proportion of mast cells in a bone marrow sample to help evaluate mast cell disorders.
["This test measures mast cells in bone marrow and can help investigate unexplained mast-cell elevations or suspected systemic mastocytosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101130-3
- Short code
- Masts NFr Mar FC
- Synonyms
- Masts NFr Mar 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?
Mast cells are immune cells that release chemicals involved in inflammation and allergic reactions. This flow-cytometry test measures the number and percentage of mast cells in bone marrow.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered when symptoms or other laboratory findings raise concern for a systemic mast-cell disorder. It can also help clarify unexplained elevations in mast cells or support evaluation of certain allergic and inflammatory conditions.
How is the test performed?
A bone marrow sample is collected and tested with flow cytometry, which uses fluorescent markers to identify and count mast cells. The laboratory may report both a cell count and the proportion of marrow cells that are mast cells.
How do I prepare for the test?
There is usually no fasting requirement. Bone marrow collection is invasive, so follow the instructions provided by the collection team and tell the healthcare team about bleeding problems, blood-thinning medicines, or medication allergies.
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 mast-cell count may occur with systemic mastocytosis and can also be associated with allergic conditions, parasitic infections, or other inflammatory processes. Results must be interpreted with the blood-cell findings, symptoms, examination, and sometimes additional tests such as serum tryptase. A lower-than-expected count is generally less clinically important but may be considered in the context of medications and other marrow findings.
Short name
Bone Marrow Mast Cell Count
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose systemic mastocytosis?
Is a bone marrow test the same as a skin biopsy?
Does the test require special preparation?
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