Flow Cytometry, T helper Cells (CD3 and CD4)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Test Name:
Flow Cytometry, T helper Cells (CD3 and CD4)
PC/NPS Test Code:
FLOW CD4
CPT Code(s):
86359, 86361
Methodology:
Flow Cytometry
Days of Week Performed:
M, Tu, W, Th, F
Routine TAT:
24-48 hours
Reference Range(s):
Adult ranges are shown below. Pediatric ranges are available by request. WBC 4.0-11.0 K/uL Lymph % 67-83 % CD3 % 35-59 % CD4 % 35-59 % Lymph # 1.0-3.5 K/uL CD3 # 980-2550 #/uL CD4# 660-1420 #/uL
Clinical Utility:
T helper cells (CD4+ lymphocytes) are key to regulation of cellular immunity, and low levels result in susceptibility to infections. In general practice, CD4 counts are used primarily to monitor HIV infection, which selectively depletes T helper cells. In oncology practices, CD4 counts are also ordered to detected low levels incidental to chemotherapy. If the CD4 count is very low, prophylactic antibiotic therapy may be prescribed to prevent potentially life-threatening infections.
COLLECTION AND HANDLING:
Collection Instructions:
1 lavender (EDTA) tube. Specimens are stable 24 hours (optimal); 48 hours (maximum).
Collection Containers:
N/A
Specimen Transport Requirements:
Refrigerate if testing will not be performed within 1-2 hours.
Specimen Labeling:
Label tube with two patient specific identifiers.
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen age >48 hours old; marked hemolysis; frozen or clotted specimens.
Specimen Retention Time:
Surplus samples are saved 7 days in the refrigerator.
Appropriate Clinical Data:
NOTE: CD4 count results are reported to the Oregon Public Health department regardless of HIV status, as required by law. References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Association of Public Health Laboratories. Guidelines for the Performance of CD4+ T-Cell Determinations in Persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00019952.htm Constraints on CD4 Recovery Postchemotherapy in Adults: Thymic Insufficiency and Apoptotic Decline of Expanded Peripheral CD4 Cells. Blood (1997) 90 (9): 3789–3798.
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Path:
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