Natural Killer Cell and Natural Killer T-Cell Panel
Also known as: NK/NKT
Use
The Natural Killer Cell and Natural Killer T-Cell Panel is used to enumerate NK- and NKT-cell populations. NK cells are critical components of the innate immune system, known for their ability to target and destroy virally infected cells and tumor cells. This test is significant in evaluating various immunologic abnormalities characterized by either increased or decreased NK cell populations. NK-like T cells exhibit properties of both T-cells and NK cells. This panel assists in the clinical assessment but is not used as part of the diagnostic criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The test is not a NK-cell activity assay and should not be used as part of the diagnostic criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). NK and NKT cell enumeration by flow cytometry does not provide full functional or activity profiles of the cells. Additionally, this test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories but has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, being classified as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) for clinical purposes.
New York Approved
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry (Flow Cytometry)
Biomarkers
Cytokine-Secreting NK Cells (CD3-CD16-CD56br)
Cell TypeCytotoxic NK Cells (CD3-CD16+CD56dim)
Cell TypeNK Cells (CD3-CD16-/+CD56br/dim)
Cell Type
LOINC Codes
- 8112-5 - CD3-CD16+CD56+ Cells NFr Bld
- 9728-7 - CD3-CD16+CD56+ Cells # Bld
- 17135-5 - CD3+CD56+ Cells NFr Bld
- 26858-1 - CD3+CD56+ Cells # Bld
- 56907-9 - CD3+CD45+ Cells NFr Bld
- 89312-3 - CD3+CD45+ Cells # Bld
- 89311-5 - CD3-CD45+ cells NFr Bld
- 89313-1 - CD3-CD45+ cells # Bld
- 80722-2 - T-cell + B-cell + NK subsets Bld-Imp Nar
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Lavender (EDTA) or Pink (K2EDTA) tubes
Storage Instructions
Transport at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Clotted or hemolyzed specimens
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
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