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Lymphocyte Subsets by Flow Cytometry

Lymphocyte Subset, Total B cell count, CD4/CD8 test, T-helper subsets, Helper/suppressor ratio, Immunodeficiency profile, Flow Cytometry, Immune Deficiency Panel, T and B Lymphocyte Panel, Lymphocyte Panel

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB3080, LYSBG

Department

Flow Cytometry

Instructions

• Specimens should only be drawn Monday – Friday. The specimen should not be drawn on weekends or holidays. On the day before a holiday, specimens must be received in the Flow Cytometry Laboratory BEFORE 12:00 pm on the day before the holiday for testing to be performed.
• A Complete Blood Count and Differential (CBCWD) is required to perform Lymphocyte Subset testing.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Lavender-top EDTA tube for Lymphocyte Subset Quantitation AND one Lavender-top EDTA tube for Complete Blood Count with Differential. (Minimum: 2.0 mL each tube.)

• The second Lavender-top EDTA tube at room temperature is not required for Lymphocyte Subset Quantitation if:
  • CBCWD is ordered for purpose not related to this test and drawn at the same time.
• If a separate specimen is NOT submitted for the Complete Blood Count with Differential, a CBCWD will be ordered.
• A copy of the requisition must be sent with the specimen. 

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain whole blood at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport. Specimens MUST be received in the Laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Whole blood, at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F).

Transport two 4 mL whole blood tubes (minimum: 2 mL each tube) at room temperature. Specimens MUST be received within 24 hours of collection. No weekend or holiday draws.

Rejection Criteria

• Clotted specimens.
• Refrigerated specimens, accepted with approval of the Flow Cytometry manager or lab director.
• Specimens received greater than 24 hours post collection. 

In-Lab Processing

Maintain at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to testing. The specimen should be processed within 24 hours of collection.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F):  Acceptable with approval of the Flow Cytometry manager or lab director.
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Flow Cytometry Laboratory

Performed

Monday – Friday, Saturday until 12:00 pm.
Results available in 1-2 days.

Reference Range

Lymphocyte Subset Quantitation Reference Range

Age	CD3 (mill/L)	CD4 (mill/L)
0-6 months	3505-5009	2780-3908
6-12 months	3409-4575	2630-3499
12-18 months	3156-3899	2307-2864
18-24 months	2766-3508	1919-2472
24-30 months	2324-3295	1538-2213
30-36 months	1923-3141	1216-2000
3-18 years	1072-3890	562-2692
Adult	730-2460	433-1722

 

Age	CD8 (mill/l)	CD19 (mill/l)	CD56 (mill/l)	CD4/CD8 ratio
Less than 3 years	351-2479	422-3345		1.2-6.2
3-18 years	331-1445	200-1259		0.98-3.24
Adult	143-921	44-683	42-352	0.6-6.2

Test Methodology

Immunophenotyping by Multiparameter Flow Cytometry.

Interpretation

This assay includes: absolute lymphocyte count, CD3 total T-cells, CD4 T-helper cells, CD8 T-suppressor cells, CD56 natural killer cells, CD19 B-cells, and CD4:CD8 ratio.

Clinical Utility

The Lymphocyte Subset Quantitation test may be used to assess patients with HIV infection or possible immunodeficiency.

CPT Codes

86355, 86357, 86359, 86360, 88184.

Contacts

Last Updated

11/4/2024