T-Lymph Markers and NK

Clinical Use

Use

This test is used to evaluate the immune status of a patient by measuring T-lymphocyte and natural killer (NK) cell populations in the blood. Such measurements can be critical in assessing immunodeficiency or autoimmune disorders, and in monitoring patients with conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV infection or after transplantation. The test results can guide clinicians in diagnosing and managing these conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment and follow-up care.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The test is highly dependent on the timing of specimen collection and handling. Specimens must not be refrigerated or frozen, as this can lead to cell degradation and inaccurate results. Hemolysis, clotting, or contamination can also affect the integrity of the specimen and result in test rejection. Furthermore, the test does not differentiate specific subtypes within the T-lymphocyte and NK cell populations beyond the markers measured.

Test Details

Methodology

Cell-based / Cytometry (Flow Cytometry)

Biomarkers

4 targets

CD3CD4CD56/CD16CD8

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

8122-4 - CD3 Cells # Bld
8124-0 - CD3 Cells NFr Bld
24467-3 - CD3+CD4+ Cells # Bld
8123-2 - CD3+CD4+ Cells NFr Bld
14135-8 - CD3+CD8+ Cells # Bld
8101-8 - CD3+CD8+ Cells NFr Bld
9728-7 - CD3-CD16+CD56+ Cells # Bld
8112-5 - CD3-CD16+CD56+ Cells NFr Bld
6690-2 - WBC # Bld Auto
789-8 - RBC # Bld Auto
718-7 - Hgb Bld-mCnc
4544-3 - Hct VFr Bld Auto
787-2 - MCV RBC Auto
785-6 - MCH RBC Qn Auto
786-4 - MCHC RBC Auto-EntMCnc
788-0 - Erythrocyte DistWidth Bld Auto
777-3 - Platelet # Bld Auto
770-8 - Neutrophils NFr Bld Auto
736-9 - Lymphocytes NFr Bld Auto
5905-5 - Monocytes NFr Bld Auto
713-8 - Eosinophil NFr Bld Auto
706-2 - Basophils NFr Bld Auto
75652-8 - Imm Lymphs Bld Ql
751-8 - Neutrophils # Bld Auto
731-0 - Lymphocytes # Bld Auto
742-7 - Monocytes # Bld Auto
711-2 - Eosinophil # Bld Auto
704-7 - Basophils # Bld Auto
71695-1 - Imm Granulocytes NFr Bld Auto
53115-2 - Imm Granulocytes # Bld Auto
58413-6 - nRBC Bld Auto-Rto
18314-5 - Morphology Bld-Imp

Result Turnaround Time

1-3 days

Specimen

Whole Blood

Volume

Fill tube(s) to capacity.

Minimum Volume

Not provided

Container

Lavender-top (EDTA) tube and yellow-top (ACD-A) or (ACD-B) tube

Collection Instructions

Invert tube 8 to 10 times immediately after collection. To preserve cellular viability, collect specimen so it will arrive in the laboratory within 48 hours of collection. Indicate date and time of venipuncture on the tube(s) and on the test request form.