Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced Lymphocyte Proliferation

Also known as: Mitogen-induced Cell Proliferation, Lymphocyte Stimulation

Clinical Use

Use

Measurement of human lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens, specifically Concanavalin A (Con A), which stimulates T‑cell proliferation. Impaired responses are observed in immunodeficiency disorders, certain infections, and cancers. Reduced reactivity may also reflect general decreases in lymphocyte function due to medications, alcohol, or stress. Both T and B lymphocytes respond to some mitogens but Con A predominantly stimulates T cells. Response to Con A can help assess immune competence.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

Because lymphocyte proliferative responses can be influenced by medications, alcohol, stress, and diurnal variation, results must be interpreted in clinical context. Specimen viability is time‑ and temperature‑sensitive; delays or temperature deviations (below 15 °C or above 37 °C) may affect proliferation. Refrigerated, frozen, clotted, or hemolyzed specimens, or those collected in lithium heparin tubes, are unacceptable.

Test Details

Methodology

Culture-based

Biomarkers

T lymphocyte proliferation response to Con A

Other

Proliferation response (counts per minute / stimulation index)

Other • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Result Turnaround Time

Not provided.

Specimen

Whole Blood

Volume

5 mL

Minimum Volume

3 mL

Container

sodium heparin (green‑top) tube

Collection Instructions

Whole blood in sodium heparin tube; transport at room temperature preferably within 48 hours; submit Monday through Thursday only; avoid day before holiday.