CD-15 helps in assessment of which of the following: March 2010
**Question:** CD-15 helps in assessment of which of the following: March 2010
Core Concept: CD-15, also known as Leu-7, is a monoclonal antibody that identifies a specific antigen on human neutrophils and monocytes, particularly in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This test is used to differentiate between reactive and malignant cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** CD-15 is mainly used in assessing the differentiation and maturation of neutrophils and monocytes in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), CD-15 can help differentiate between reactive and malignant cells. This is due to the fact that CLL cells often express CD-15, while normal neutrophils and monocytes do not.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. CD-15 is not used for assessing lymphocytes, as it is specific to neutrophils and monocytes.
B. CD-15 is not used for assessing lymphocytes in CLL, as it is specific to neutrophils and monocytes, not lymphocytes.
C. CD-15 is not used for assessing neutrophils and monocytes in non-malignant conditions, as its primary role is in differentiating between reactive and malignant cells in CLL.
D. CD-15 is not used for assessing lymphocytes in non-malignant conditions, as its primary role is in differentiating between reactive and malignant cells in CLL, not in assessing lymphocytes in non-malignant conditions.
**Clinical Pearl:** CD-15 expression is essential in diagnosing and monitoring CLL patients, as well as differentiating between reactive and malignant cells in cases of peripheral blood and bone marrow infiltrates. Understanding the role of CD-15 helps in accurately interpreting blood and bone marrow findings in various clinical scenarios, allowing for precise diagnosis and treatment decisions.
**Correct Answer:** D. CD-15 is not used for assessing lymphocytes in non-malignant conditions, as its primary role is in differentiating between reactive and malignant cells in CLL. In non-malignant conditions, other markers and tests should be used to assess lymphocytes, such as CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD19.