CD30 Test

The clinical significance of CD30 (also known as Ber-H2, Ki-1) is that it is a marker of lymphocyte activation and a characteristic of immunoblastic B cell or anaplastic T cell lymphomas. Expression of CD30 is spotted in embryonal carcinomas, mesenchymal tumors, malignant melanomas , and in activated T and B lymphocytes and plasma cells.CD30 is also expressed in Reed-Sternberg cells of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin disease), as well as the neoplastic cells of anaplastic large cell lymphoma . Embryonal carcinoma is often CD30 positive. CD30 is highly expressed by particular malignant cells but shows almost no expression by many normal cells.

Even though special preparations are not necessary, you may take a look at the following helpful tips in case of uncertainty.
• Specify your doctor about any medications, supplements or herbs you are taking. You may be advised to discontinue all these agents in some cases before serum test.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothes preferably sleeveless ones.
• Get yourself hydrated. Drinking enough water helps the lab assistant locate your vein easily.
• Unlike cholesterol or the blood sugar tests you may no need to undergo fasting. Your doctor will inform you particularly if needed.

The complete blood count (CBC) is a test that measures the levels of different cells in the blood. But the tests aren’t used to diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma yet they can help the doctor get an idea of how advanced it is and how well you might tolerate certain treatments Detection of CD30 may be helpful in diagnosis and, sometimes, establishing prognosis, as in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). After identifying CD30 as a functional receptor attention has been extended to the role of CD30 in immunity in general and allergic diseases in particular.

CD 30 test is done using Immunohistochemistry method on blood sample. This is done in following steps
• The technician locates your vein between the upper and lower arm.
• A band will be used to constrict your arms for easy location of vein.
• Once suitable vein is found, the area over the skin where the vein is located is cleaned.
• With the help of a needle enough blood is drawn from your body for testing.
• Later an adhesive bandage may be applied on that area.
The collected blood is sent to laboratory for further analysis