B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel

A blood sample is needed.

In some cases, white blood cells are removed during a bone marrow biopsy. The sample may also be taken during a lymph node biopsy or other biopsy when lymphoma is suspected.

The blood sample is sent to a laboratory, where a laboratory specialist checks the cell type and characteristics. This procedure is called immunophenotyping. The test is often done using a technique called flow cytometry.

No special preparation is usually necessary.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

This test may be done for the following reasons:

• When other tests (such as a blood smear) show signs of abnormal white blood cells
• When leukemia or lymphoma is suspected
• To find out the type of leukemia or lymphoma

Abnormal results usually indicate either:

• B-cell lymphocytic leukemia
• Lymphoma

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

B lymphocyte cell surface markers; Flow cytometry - leukemia/lymphoma immunophenotyping

Connors JM, Savage KJ. Hodgkin lymphoma. In: Goldman L, Cooney K, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 172.

Vose JM, Armitage JO. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In: Goldman L, Cooney K, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 171.

Walter RB, Appelbaum FR. The acute leukemias. In: Goldman L, Cooney K, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 168.

Updated by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.