Lymphocyte Proliferation to Antigens, Blood
Use
This test is useful for assessing T-cell function in various clinical settings, including patients on immunosuppressive therapy such as solid-organ transplant recipients, individuals suspected of having impairments in cellular immunity, and those with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies. It evaluates the ability of T-cells to proliferate in response to antigens like Candida albicans and tetanus toxoid, providing insights into cellular immune competence. The test is particularly relevant for monitoring T-cell recovery post bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It should not be used for assessing maternal engraftment.
Special Instructions
Specimen collection should be coordinated to occur as close to shipping time as possible due to stability concerns with timing. Specimens must arrive in the laboratory by Friday at 4 pm (CST) to avoid cancellation. Shipping should be done using an Ambient Shipping Box-Critical Specimens Only (T668), ensuring arrival within 24 hours of collection. The collection should occur at the same time for serial monitoring.
Limitations
This test is not intended for use in patients younger than 3 months unless there is a history of candidiasis. Accurate interpretation requires consideration of various factors, such as specimen timing relative to collection, potential effects of medications like immunosuppressive agents, and physiological influences on lymphocyte populations. Variability can arise from specimen age, and assays over 24 hours old may yield inaccurate results. Proliferation responses may also be diluted in cases of severe T-cell lymphopenia, although this test compensates with additional cellular event acquisitions.
New York Approved
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry (Flow Cytometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 69042-0
- 69015-6
- 69014-9
- 69029-7
- 69016-4
- 69052-9
- 48767-8
- 33193-4
Result Turnaround Time
11-14 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. Ensure shipping is coordinated to meet the laboratory's receiving schedule.
Storage Instructions
Ship specimen overnight in an Ambient Shipping Box-Critical Specimens Only (T668) following the instructions in the box. It is recommended that specimens arrive within 24 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |