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B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel

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

The B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel is a blood test that looks for certain proteins on the surface of white blood cells called B-lymphocytes. The proteins are markers that may help diagnose leukemia or lymphoma.

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How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed.

In some cases, the sample may be white blood cells 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 sample is sent to a lab, where a lab specialist checks the cell type and characteristics. This procedure is called immunophenotyping. The test is often done using a technique called flow cytometry.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is usually necessary.

How the Test will Feel

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.

Why the Test is Performed

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

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results usually indicate either:

• B-cell lymphocytic leukemia
• Lymphoma

Risks

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)

Related Information

References

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

Najfeld V. Conventional and molecular cytogenomic basis of hematologic malignancies. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 57. 

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.

Review Date: 1/29/2026  

Reviewed By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, 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.

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