CD8 T-Cell Immune Competence, Global, Blood

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC63438Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID GLICCPT Code 86356

CD8 T-Cell Immune Competence, Global, Blood

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful for determining overimmunosuppression within the CD8 T-cell compartment. It is especially applicable for transplant recipients and patients with autoimmune disorders who are receiving therapy with immunosuppressant agents. Monitoring CD8 T-cell function helps in assessing the immunocompetence of individuals under immunosuppressive treatment and can guide the adjustment of therapeutic regimens to avoid overimmunosuppression, which can increase the risk of infections.

Special Instructions

Testing is performed Monday through Friday. Specimens not received by 4 p.m. Central time on Friday may be canceled. Samples arriving on the weekend and observed holidays may also be canceled. Collect and package specimens as close to shipping time as possible. Ship specimens overnight in an Ambient Shipping Box-Critical Specimens Only (T668) following the instructions in the mailer. It is recommended that specimens arrive within 24 hours of collection. The ordering healthcare professional's name and phone number are required.

Limitations

This assay is specific only for CD8 T cells and does not provide information for overall T-cell competence. Timing and consistency in timing of blood collection is critical when serially monitoring patients for lymphocyte subsets. Further studies are needed to determine if certain levels of Interferon-gamma and CD107a/b expression within the reference range confer varying degrees of infectious disease risk.

Test Details