Natural Killer (NK)/Natural Killer T-Cell Subsets, Quantitative, Blood

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC11014Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID QNKSCPT Codes 86356, 86357, 86359

Natural Killer (NK)/Natural Killer T-Cell Subsets, Quantitative, Blood

Clinical Use

Use

The test quantitates the major natural killer (NK)-cell subsets relative to total NK cells or total lymphocytes and is useful in assessing various clinical contexts such as HIV infection, primary immune deficiencies with NK cell defects, NK-cell lymphocytosis, solid-organ transplantation, and immune reconstitution following bone marrow or hematopoietic cell transplantation. It is not useful for diagnosis or classification of NK cell malignancies and should not be used for assessing NK cell cytotoxic function.

Special Instructions

The test requires a minimum CD45 lymph count, as measured by flow cytometry, to report results. If this requirement is not met, the test will be canceled and an alternative test suggested. The ordering healthcare professional's name and phone number are required. Specimen must be shipped Monday through Thursday and arrive within 24 hours. Collection should be close to shipping time, and shipment should be done overnight. Send specimens in original tubes. Do not aliquot. For serial monitoring, collect specimens at the same time of day.

Limitations

Results should be interpreted in conjunction with the relevant clinical context and other appropriate immunological analyses. The assay does not measure cell-surface or intracellular proteins on natural killer or natural killer T-cell subsets. It is not for diagnosis or classification of NK cell malignancies and should not be used for assessing NK cell cytotoxic function.

Test Details

New York Approved