Cell surface antigen studies (B-cell, leukemia/lymphoma panel)

Alternative names:

B lymphocyte surface markers

Normal values:

• negative for monoclonal immunoglobulins
• monoclonal B cell mature lymphocytes: less than 15,000/ml

Note: ml = milliliters

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal cell surface antigen studies most often indicate lymphocytic leukemia (ALL or CLL).

Diagnosis of ALL is confirmed by demonstration of cell surface markers that are characteristic of primitive lymphoid cells. Less than 5% of cases of ALL are B-cell type; with abnormal B-lymphocytes that produce a monoclonal immunoglobulin that is bound to the surface membrane.

CLL is characterized by an accumulation of mature-appearing lymphocytes; more than 95% of cases involve B-lymphocytes. In most cases, these lymphocytes have typical marker antigens on the cell surface, that is, a monoclonal immunoglobulin can be demonstrated on the cell surface.