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Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Confirmatory Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Confirmatory Test

Short Name: PNH Confirmatory Test

Also known as: PNH Flow Cytometry, PNH Clone Analysis, GPI-anchored protein deficiency test

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Confirmatory Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹8,500. Uses Flow Cytometry on Whole blood samples. Results in Same-day report if the sample reaches the laboratory by 9 am.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Hematology / ConfirmatoryAll Ages🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

This test is primarily used to evaluate the percentage of granulocytes and monocytes in blood that express CD55, CD14, CD24, CD59 and FLAER, and those which do not express them. These antigens are absent on the hematopoietic cells of patients suffering from PNH.

Test Code
3527
Price
₹8,500
Sample Type
Whole blood
Result Time
Same-day report if the sample reaches the laboratory by 9 am.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Flow Cytometry
Step 1

Sample Collection

No fasting is required. Please provide a brief clinical history and inform the laboratory about any recent blood transfusions.

Method: Peripheral venous blood draw

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

Two blood samples will be collected: one in a Lavender Top EDTA tube and one in a Green Top Sodium Heparin tube. The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes.

Step 3

Report Delivery

You may resume normal diet and activities. The samples must be transported immediately to the laboratory at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Timeline: Same-day report if the sample reaches the laboratory by 9 am.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No fasting is required. Inform your doctor about recent blood transfusions and provide a brief clinical history.
2
During the Test:Two blood samples will be collected from a vein in your arm; collection usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
3
After the Test:You can resume normal diet and activities. The sample should be transported immediately to the laboratory at room temperature.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

This test is primarily used to evaluate the percentage of granulocytes and monocytes in blood that express CD55, CD14, CD24, CD59 and FLAER, and those which do not express them. These antigens are absent on the hematopoietic cells of patients suffering from PNH.

How to Prepare

  • Specify time, date, and clinical details on the test request form
  • Transport immediately at 18-22°C
  • DO NOT REFRIGERATE OR FREEZE
  • Ensure both EDTA and Sodium Heparin tubes are filled to the required volume

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521

"Flow cytometry is the gold-standard confirmatory test for PNH. Detection of a GPI-anchored protein-deficient clone should always be interpreted along with clinical findings, CBC, reticulocyte count, LDH, and haptoglobin."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeWhole blood
Sample Volume3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in Lavender Top (EDTA) tube AND 3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube
ContainerLavender Top (EDTA) and Green Top (Sodium Heparin)
Collection MethodPeripheral venous blood draw

Sample Stability

Room Temperature (18-22°C)24 hours
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Clotted sample
  • Hemolyzed sample
  • Refrigerated or frozen sample
  • Sample received after 24 hours of collection
  • Insufficient sample volume

Understanding Your Results

Flow cytometry identifies the absence or reduced expression of GPI-anchored proteins CD55, CD59, CD14, CD24 and FLAER on circulating blood cells. The presence of a distinct deficient cell population supports a diagnosis of PNH.
📊

Normal expression of CD55, CD59, FLAER on granulocytes/monocytes and CD59 on RBC

No PNH clone detected; PNH is unlikely.

📊

Partial deficiency of GPI-anchored proteins

Type II PNH clone may be present; clinical correlation advised.

📊

Complete absence of GPI-anchored proteins on a cell population

Type III PNH clone present; consistent with PNH.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult a hematologist if you experience dark urine, unexplained weakness, recurrent blood clots, or unexplained anemia. If PNH is confirmed, regular follow-up is necessary to monitor clone size and prevent complications.

Limitations

  • Low-level PNH clones may require high-sensitivity flow cytometry protocols
  • Flow cytometry results must be correlated with clinical and hematological findings
  • Recent transfusion can affect assessment of CD59 on red blood cells
  • Bone marrow transplantation can change the cell populations being measured

Risks & Considerations

  • Minor pain or bruising at the needle site
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Very low risk of infection

Interfering Factors

  • Recent blood transfusion may dilute the PNH clone and cause false-negative results
  • Clotted or hemolyzed blood sample
  • Delayed processing beyond 24 hours
  • Transport at refrigerated or frozen temperature
  • Recent hematopoietic stem cell transplant may alter results

Compare With Similar Tests

TestParoxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Confirmatory Test Test
ComparisonParoxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Confirmatory Test Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PNH?
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare acquired bone marrow disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely due to loss of GPI-anchored complement-regulating proteins.
Why is a confirmatory test needed for PNH?
Symptoms of PNH overlap with other anemias and bone marrow disorders. Flow cytometry detects missing GPI-linked proteins and confirms the presence of a PNH clone.
How is the PNH confirmatory test performed?
Blood is collected in EDTA and Sodium Heparin tubes. The sample is analyzed by flow cytometry to detect CD55, CD59, CD14, CD24, and FLAER on blood cells.
Does the PNH confirmatory test require fasting?
No fasting is required. However, a brief clinical history must be provided on the test request form.
What does flow cytometry measure in this test?
It measures CD55 and CD59 on red cells, and CD55, CD14, CD24, and FLAER on granulocytes and monocytes.
What is FLAER?
FLAER is a fluorescent-labeled protein that binds to the GPI anchor. It is a sensitive marker for detecting GPI-anchor-deficient PNH clones.
How much does the PNH confirmatory test cost at DNA Labs India?
At DNA Labs India, the PNH confirmatory test costs Rs 8500.0 and includes free home sample collection in selected cities.
When will I get the report?
If the sample reaches the laboratory by 9 am, the report is usually available the same day.
What sample is required for this test?
3 mL whole blood in a Lavender Top EDTA tube and 3 mL whole blood in a Green Top Sodium Heparin tube are required. The sample must not be refrigerated or frozen.
Are there any risks in this test?
The test involves routine venipuncture. Minor bruising or pain may occur at the needle site, but serious complications are rare.
Can a recent blood transfusion affect the test result?
Yes, a recent transfusion may dilute the PNH clone and affect the red blood cell component. Please inform your doctor about your transfusion history.
Who should get tested for PNH?
Patients with unexplained Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria, thrombosis at unusual sites, aplastic anemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome should be evaluated.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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