[7] Other names or aliases for this gene in humans and other animals include: CD68 Molecule, CD68 Antigen, GP110, Macrosialin, Scavenger Receptor Class D, Member 1, SCARD1, and LAMP4.

CD68 is functionally and evolutionarily related to other gene/protein family members, including:[6][8][9] Immunohistochemistry can be used to identify the presence of CD68, which is found in the cytoplasmic granules of a range of different blood cells and myocytes.

Its presence in macrophages also makes it useful in diagnosing conditions related to proliferation or abnormality of these cells, such as malignant histiocytosis, histiocytic lymphoma, and Gaucher's disease.

[16] However, in some cell types it is detectable only when up-regulated, such as activated but not quiescent microglia, and can thus be used as a marker of inflammatory conditions and immune reactions in those instances.

Commercial suppliers report that ED1 is used for detection of the CD68 protein by immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry, and western blot methods and that in addition to rat it cross-reacts with bovine species.