CD61 (Megakaryocytic Cell Marker)

Megakaryocytes are gigantic nucleus cells or large bone marrow cells with one lobated nucleus. They are about 10-15x larger than normal red blood cells. The cells are mainly produced by the kidney, liver, bone marrow and spleen. They are responsible for the production of platelets, also known as blood thrombocytes.

Mature megakaryocytes are accountable for the production of platelets. Thrombopoietin aids this process by inducing megakaryocytes to produce proto-platelets processes. The internal membranes of megakaryocytes’ cytoplasm contain these platelets.

These blood thrombocytes or platelets are essential for the normal process of blood clotting and thrombus formation. Abnormal platelet or megakaryocytes function can cause two of the following disorders:

• Essential thrombocytosis: This disorder is characterised by an excessively high number of circulating platelets. Since the number of platelets shoots up, it causes blood clots or thrombosis throughout the body, especially in the arteries. This disorder can eventually culminate in leukaemia.
• Congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia: This is one rare inherited genetic disorder. The primary problem is the low number of both megakaryocytes and platelets. There is a complete lack of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow without significantly associated abnormalities. This disorder is due to a gene mutation in the TPO receptor. Some central nervous system abnormalities might also affect the cerebellum and cerebrum.

If you suspect that you are suffering from essential thrombocytosis, then you might notice the following symptoms and signs:

• Easy blood clotting
• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Fainting
• Tingling and numbing of limbs
• Headache
• Chest pain
• Temporary loss of vision
• Burning and throbbing pain in the limbs
• Reddening of skin

You will also observe that essential thrombocytosis leads to a lot of bleeding that comes out via nosebleeds, bleeding from gums and mouth, easy bruising and bloody stool.

Congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia presents similar symptoms as well, such as:

• Life-threatening bleeding
• Bruising
• Petechiae, which are tiny red dots on the skin caused by small bleeds in the skin
• Heavy menstrual flow
• Purpura which leads to bleeding in the skin, leading to purple, red or brown-yellow small spots
• Blood in stool or urine, making it look tarry and dark
• Bleeding from gums
• Nosebleeds

If you notice symptoms like these, contact your healthcare practitioner.

Your doctor is likely to run a CD61 test. Getting this test will help:

• Find out the accurate level of platelet thrombi, megakaryocytes and platelets
• Distinguish between DIC and TTP (which is diffuse CD61 and platelet-rich thrombi)
• Measure platelets in patients suffering from thrombocytopenia

Apollo 24|7 offers comprehensive, quick, effortless at-home testing for CD61 or Megakaryocytic cell markers. You will also receive your results within 72 hours!