CD 41A

The CD41A test detects the levels of megakaryocytes and normal platelets in the blood. The megakaryocytes are hematopoietic cells tasked with producing blood platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting. CD41A is a glycoprotein that acts as a platelet receptor for fibrinogen and other extracellular matrix molecules. The mutations of the cell can be fatal and lead to a shortage of integrin αIIbβ3, a protein that helps in the formation of the blood clot. It is present on the surface of platelets and may lead to a disorder called Glanzmann thrombasthenia, a bleeding disorder in which a patient experiences spontaneous or prolonged bleeding. The condition can start right from birth.

Usually, patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia bruise easily and may bleed from the gums. They might also have epistaxis, a condition characterised by frequent nosebleeds. The CD41A test is a diagnostic method used to detect this condition and track platelets in patients undergoing treatment for the same. It is a standard blood test in which the clinical lab assistant draws blood from the vein in the arm, usually near the bend of the elbow. The blood is then stored in a carefully labelled container and sent for further analysis. The results help the doctor devise the course of treatment that can be undertaken next.

Furthermore, the CD41A test help in the following ways:

• If already diagnosed, it might help the treatment by tracking the level of the cell markers.
• The results can help determine if the condition is isolated or spreading rapidly.
• If the treatment is successful, the cell marker test can help determine whether the disorder has returned or not.
• The test also helps screen people for Glanzmann thrombasthenia, especially if they have a family history of the disorder.

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive CD41A test to detect Glanzmann thrombasthenia and aid the doctor in devising a treatment plan.

Some of the symptoms associated with the disorder include:

• Purple or red spots on the skin due to bleeding occurring under the skin.
• Prolonged bleeding post trauma, injury, or surgery.
• Swelling due to bleeding occurring in the tissues.
• Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Rare cases of intracranial haemorrhage or bleeding in the joints.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.

It is vital to visit a health practitioner as soon as one or more of these symptoms appear. Through careful examination, the doctor can determine if the patient needs the CD41A test to explain these symptoms. According to the test results, the doctor can devise a suitable treatment plan.
 

Frequently asked questions

Which test can help detect a problem with the CD41 antigen?

The CD41A test is a diagnostic cell marker test used to detect the platelet count by checking for any mutations in CD41 in the blood. The test also acts as a basis for detecting Glanzmann thrombasthenia, a condition synonymous with continuous bleeding. It is a simple test that requires a blood sample.

What are the complications associated with the CD41A test?

The CD41A test is a standard procedure blood test that involves little to no risk for the patient. The lab technician draws blood from the arm and stores it in a carefully labelled container. It is then sent for further analysis to check for mutations of the corresponding cell. You might encounter slight bruising at the spot where the technician draws blood. However, this fades away rapidly.

Is it possible to completely cure Glanzmann thrombasthenia?

Glanzmann thrombasthenia is a life-long condition synonymous with heavy and continuous bleeding in a patient. Currently, it has no known cure. However, the doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and other treatment methods to help moderate the disorder.

What happens in Glanzmann thrombasthenia?

Glanzmann thrombasthenia occurs when there is a deficiency of integrin αIIbβ3 in the blood. It is a protein found on the surface of platelet cells, responsible for allowing blood to clot. In its absence, no clots are formed, leading to continuous bleeding. As a result, patients with this condition may encounter continuous bleeding even if they sustain a minor injury.

Do you require any prior preparation before taking the CD41A test?

There is no special preparation that you need to go through before taking the CD41A test. Regardless, consider contacting your doctor to check if you have any medications that might interfere with the test. In addition, keep a record of your clinical history while taking the test.

What are the possible reasons for continuous bleeding?

The platelets usually group together to form blood clots during bleeding. However, some individuals may be deficient in the protein that causes the blood to clot, leading to a disorder called Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Patients with this condition usually have excessive and continuous bleeding even after a minor injury. It is essential to consult a doctor if you notice the symptoms. The doctor might recommend a CD41A test to confirm a diagnosis.