CD64 (Monocytic Macrophage Marker)

The body's white blood cells come in five variants, with neutrophils being the predominant type. CD64 (nCD64) is a specific type of neutrophil.

The primary function of such cells is to fight infections. Consequently, neutrophil concentrations increase significantly upon detecting any viral invasion. However, in some cases, elevated neutrophil levels persist even after the infection subsides. This usually leads to sepsis.

The condition is life-threatening and involves the immune system releasing specific chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals cause inflammation and damage internal organs. Initial symptoms of sepsis manifest as breathing difficulties or general cognitive impairment. Some other indicators of the condition include the following:

• Fever
• Low temperature
• Unusual urinary patterns 
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea 
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Skin discolouration

In extreme cases, affected individuals may experience a sudden and significant drop in blood pressure. Clinically known as 'septic shock', this can cause organ failure and is potentially fatal.

It’s essential to note that sepsis is not directly caused by nCD64. Instead, the neutrophil is present in increased concentrations during the body’s viral resistance process and only serves as a marker. When that process is prolonged, the immune system starts malfunctioning. Subsequently, doctors always consider the initial infection as the source.

The CD64 (Monocytic Macrophage Marker) test can be helpful in the detection of sepsis or any other significant bacterial and viral infection. Doctors can then use the test results to prescribe the necessary treatment.

nCD64 serves as the primary diagnostic marker because it demonstrates high clinical sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing infections. Related medical examinations have also used the neutrophil with additional biomarkers to provide an improved diagnostic value.

Additionally, increased nCD64 expression is present on the cell surface in the case of bacterial infections. This enables the CD64 (Monocytic Macrophage Marker) test to deliver diagnostic results faster than a conventional blood culture examination.

Standard practice for performing the test involves using the flow cytometry method. Testers suspend the patient sample and then inject it into a flow cytometer. The cells are pre-arranged and pass through a combination of a laser, fluorescent and scattered light diode. A final assessment reveals nCD64 concentrations.

Test results contain information on the following aspects:

• Cell count
• Cell characteristics

The CD64 (Monocytic Macrophage Marker) test is instrumental in detecting neonatal infections. Since current medical techniques do not adequately solve the clinical challenges of diagnosing such conditions, an examination of the neutrophil can serve as the primary assessment tool.

Apollo 24|7 hosts a CD64 (Monocytic Macrophage Marker) test that can detect any bacterial and viral infections in addition to sepsis. Moreover, test results that display neutrophil concentrations above a 1.19 index can be helpful in the following:

• Predicting a negative blood culture result 
• Identifying false results from prior tests

Doctors can then provide antibiotic treatments depending on infection severity and the associated stage of the septic patient.