Quantitative Lymphocyte Subsets: T, B, and Natural Killer (NK) Cells, Blood

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC25341Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID TBBSCPT Codes 86355, 86357, 86359, 86360

Quantitative Lymphocyte Subsets: T, B, and Natural Killer (NK) Cells, Blood

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful for serial monitoring of CD4 T-cell count in HIV-positive patients, and for follow-up and diagnostic evaluation of primary immunodeficiencies such as severe combined immunodeficiency. It is also employed in immune monitoring following immunosuppressive therapy for transplantation, autoimmunity, and other immunological conditions. It serves as a screening tool for identifying gross quantitative anomalies in lymphocyte subsets in infections or malignancies, and assists in the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia by quantifying circulating B cells.

Special Instructions

This assay is not recommended for diagnosing lymphocytic malignancies or evaluating lymphocytosis of unknown etiology. Alternative tests such as LCMS / Leukemia/Lymphoma Immunophenotyping may be more suitable in those cases. It is advisable to perform specimen collection for serial monitoring at the same time of day to account for diurnal variation.

Limitations

The assay is not appropriate for diagnosing lymphocytic malignancies or unidentified lymphocytosis. Circadian variations and environmental factors can affect lymphocyte subset counts, influencing the results. Therefore, careful timing and consistency in blood collection are critical for serial monitoring. Interpretation of results should consider clinical context and other immunological parameters.

Test Details

New York Approved