PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HAEMOGLOBINURIA (PNH) PANEL – FC052
🔬 Flow Cytometry (Gold Standard)
₹1899
MRP ₹2000
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: 3rd Working Day
Sample Type: Blood (EDTA - Whole Blood)
Test Code: FC052
Report: 3rd Working Day
Sample Type: Blood (EDTA - Whole Blood)
Test Code: FC052
About this Test:
The PNH Panel uses advanced Flow Cytometry to detect Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). PNH is a rare, acquired blood disease where red blood cells break apart (hemolysis) because they are missing specific protective proteins on their surface.
✔ Gold Standard Diagnosis: Detects the absence of CD55 and CD59 proteins on red blood cells and white blood cells.
✔ Used to investigate unexplained Hemolytic Anemia (destruction of RBCs).
✔ Essential for patients with recurrent blood clots (thrombosis) or bone marrow failure.
✔ Much more accurate than the older Ham Test.
The PNH Panel uses advanced Flow Cytometry to detect Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). PNH is a rare, acquired blood disease where red blood cells break apart (hemolysis) because they are missing specific protective proteins on their surface.
✔ Gold Standard Diagnosis: Detects the absence of CD55 and CD59 proteins on red blood cells and white blood cells.
✔ Used to investigate unexplained Hemolytic Anemia (destruction of RBCs).
✔ Essential for patients with recurrent blood clots (thrombosis) or bone marrow failure.
✔ Much more accurate than the older Ham Test.
Why is this Test Critical?
In a healthy person, proteins called CD55 and CD59 act as shields on the surface of blood cells, protecting them from being attacked by the body's own immune system (specifically the complement system). In PNH patients, a genetic mutation causes these shields to be missing.
Without these shields, the immune system attacks and destroys the red blood cells. This leads to:
- Hemoglobinuria: Dark, tea-colored urine, especially in the morning (caused by the release of hemoglobin from broken cells).
- Anemia: Severe fatigue and weakness.
- Thrombosis: A high risk of dangerous blood clots in veins and arteries.
The PNH Panel measures the exact percentage of cells that are missing these protective shields (CD55/CD59), confirming the diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is PNH?
PNH stands for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria. It is a rare disorder where red blood cells break down, leading to anemia, red/dark urine, and blood clots. It is an acquired condition, meaning you are not born with it, but develop it later.
PNH stands for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria. It is a rare disorder where red blood cells break down, leading to anemia, red/dark urine, and blood clots. It is an acquired condition, meaning you are not born with it, but develop it later.
Q2: Why is Flow Cytometry used?
Flow cytometry is the most sensitive and specific method available. It can detect very small populations of PNH cells that older tests might miss. It specifically looks for the absence of GPI-anchored proteins (like CD55 and CD59).
Flow cytometry is the most sensitive and specific method available. It can detect very small populations of PNH cells that older tests might miss. It specifically looks for the absence of GPI-anchored proteins (like CD55 and CD59).
Q3: Do I need to fast for this test?
No, fasting is not generally required for the PNH Panel.
No, fasting is not generally required for the PNH Panel.
Q4: Why is the report time 3 days?
This is a highly specialized test requiring complex analysis of live cells using a Flow Cytometer. The extended time ensures thorough checking and accuracy of the cell populations.
This is a highly specialized test requiring complex analysis of live cells using a Flow Cytometer. The extended time ensures thorough checking and accuracy of the cell populations.
Q5: Can PNH be cured?
While there are treatments to manage the disease (like eculizumab) and blood transfusions for anemia, the only potential cure is a bone marrow transplant. Early diagnosis via this test is crucial for management.
While there are treatments to manage the disease (like eculizumab) and blood transfusions for anemia, the only potential cure is a bone marrow transplant. Early diagnosis via this test is crucial for management.