Lymphocyte Proliferation to Anti-CD3/Anti-CD28 and Anti-CD3/Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Flow Cytometry, Blood
Use
This test is used to evaluate T-cell function in various clinical contexts, including patients with suspected impairments in cellular immunity. It is particularly useful for assessing T-cell function in cases of primary or secondary immunodeficiencies, recovery after bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and in patients receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy. Additionally, it helps in evaluating the presence of neutralizing antibodies in patients undergoing therapeutic anti-CD3 antibody treatment for solid organ transplantation or autoimmune diseases. The test serves as a second-level assessment after initial lymphocyte proliferation to mitogens has been evaluated.
Special Instructions
It is not recommended as a first-level test for assessing lymphocyte (T-cell) function. Proper specimen collection and timing, especially for serial monitoring, are vital for accurate results. Specimens need to arrive within 24 hours of collection. Testing is done Monday through Friday and may be canceled if specimens are not received by Friday at 4 pm CST. The ordering healthcare professional's name and phone number, along with the date and time of collection, are required.
Limitations
T-cell proliferation results do not directly correlate to clinical immunodeficiency levels. Changes in circadian rhythms, hormonal levels, and environmental factors can affect lymphocyte counts. The anti-CD3 proliferation should not be a first-line test; mitogen proliferation should be assessed first, followed by antigen tests. Results can be affected by patient use of steroids, immunosuppressive agents, and sample age exceeding 24 hours. Variability due to diurnal cycles should be considered when interpreting results.
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry (Flow Cytometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 59063-8
- 33193-4
- 81760-1
- 81756-9
- 81759-3
- 81758-5
- 81755-1
- 81757-7
- 48767-8
- 69965-2
Result Turnaround Time
5-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
20 mL
Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Container
Green top (sodium heparin)
Collection Instructions
Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot. Collect and package specimen as close to shipping time as possible.
Patient Preparation
For serial monitoring, it is recommended that specimen collection be performed at the same time of day.
Storage Instructions
Ship specimen overnight in an Ambient Shipping Box-Critical Specimens Only (T668) following the instructions in the box.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; Specimens older than 24 hours may yield spurious results.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
