Description
Why It’s Done:
The CD Marker (Single) test is commonly used for:
• Identifying specific immune cells in the blood or tissue, which can help in diagnosing immune system disorders or hematologic diseases.
• Diagnosing types of leukemia or lymphoma by identifying specific markers present on cancerous cells (e.g., CD20 in B-cell lymphoma or CD3 in T-cell leukemia).
• Monitoring immune function in patients undergoing treatment for autoimmune diseases, cancer, or those receiving organ transplants.
• Evaluating immunodeficiencies by determining the relative proportions of various types of immune cells.
• Investigating suspected cases of immune system dysfunction such as HIV/AIDS, where specific CD markers (e.g., CD4 and CD8) can be indicative of disease progression or immune suppression.
Preparation:
• No special preparation is generally required for this test.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any recent infections, medical conditions, or medications (e.g., immunosuppressive drugs) that may affect immune function.
• A blood sample is typically drawn from a vein in your arm, or the test can also be done on tissue samples in certain situations (e.g., biopsy).


