The CD13 test is a diagnostic laboratory evaluation used in hematopathology to detect the expression of the CD100/CD13 surface protein, also known as Aminopeptidase N. Naturally expressed on mature and immature myeloid cells, CD13 serves as an essential marker for lineage identification.
Conducted using flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry on blood or bone marrow samples, the test helps pathologists differentiate myeloid lineage leukemias from lymphoid malignancies. It is particularly vital for diagnosing Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and identifying myeloid differentiation in acute leukemias. Ultimately, detecting CD13 assists clinicians in precise cancer subtyping, determining prognosis, and planning targeted therapeutic strategies.