CD38

Alias/Synonym: Plasma Cells, Activated T, B and Myeloid Cells

CPT Code: 88342

Includes:

Specimen Type, Preferred:

Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue

Specimen Type, Alternate:

Sample Quantity, Preferred:

1 block

2 slides

Sample Quantity, Minimum:

N/A

Transport Container:

Paraffin block

Unstained slides

Transport Temperature:

Room temperature

Collection Instructions:

Block and slide identifiers should be clearly written and match exactly with the specimen ID and specimen labeling as noted on the requisition.

Slides should be positively charged and cut at 3-4 microns for each stain/antibody ordered.

Specimen Stability:

N/A

Rejection Criteria:

No liquid specimens.

Uncharged slides

Clinical Significance:

The CD38 molecule is a type II single transmembrane glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 46 kD. It is an ectoenzyme with the activities of ADP-ribosyl cyclase, cyclic ADP-ribose hydrolase, NAD glycohydrolase and is involved in both the formation and hydrolysis of cADPR, a second messenger for glucose induced insulin secretion. Although the CD38 molecule was originally identified as a T lymphocyte differentiation antigen, it is reported to be expressed in a wide range of cells and tissues. CD38 antigen can deliver potent growth and differentiation signals to lymphoid and myeloid cells. It is found on immature cells of the B and T cell lineages but not on most mature resting peripheral lymphocytes. It is also present on thymocytes, pre-B cells, germinal center B cells, mitogen-activated T cells, Ig-secreting plasma cells, monocytes, NK cells, erythroid and myeloid progenitors in the bone marrow and brain cells. CD38 antigen has also been reported in neurofibrillary tangles, the pathological indicator of Alzheimer's disease that occurs in the neuronal perikarya and proximal dendrites. It is used by pathologists to identify plasma cells and plasmablasts, and is sometimes used as a prognostic marker in CLL.

Limitations:

Turnaround Time:

1 day(s)

Reference Ranges:

N/A

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