Lymphocyte Subset Panel 3 - T-Cell Subsets (CD4 and CD8), Absolute Counts Only
Ordering Recommendation
Absolute CD4 count is sufficient for routine HIV monitoring.
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or green (sodium or lithium heparin). Hemogard tubes are preferred for laboratory automation and safety.
Transport 4 mL whole blood. (Min: 0.5 mL)
CRITICAL ROOM TEMPERATURE
Clotted or hemolyzed.
Specimens must be analyzed within stability times provided. Some medications may affect immunophenotyping results and should be listed on the patient test request form.
This test is not approved for New York State clients.
EDTA: Ambient: 72 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable
Heparin: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable
Methodology
Quantitative Flow Cytometry
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
1-2 days
Reference Interval
Test Number |
Components |
Reference Interval |
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Absolute CD3 |
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Absolute CD4 |
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Absolute CD8 |
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Absolute CD4:CD8 Ratio |
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Interpretive Data
The CD4 cells are Helper T-cells expressing both CD3 and CD4. The CD8 cells are Cytotoxic T-cells expressing both CD3 and CD8. CD4 T-cell levels are a criterion for categorizing HIV-related clinical conditions by the CDC's classification system for HIV infection. The measurement of CD4 T-cell levels has been used to establish decision points for initiating P. jirovecii prophylaxis, antiviral therapy, and to monitor the efficacy of treatment. The Public Health Service (PHS) has recommended that CD4 T-cell levels be monitored every 3 to 6 months in all HIV-infected persons.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.
Modified FDA
Note
This assay is designed for enumerating the absolute cell counts of lymphocyte subsets in lysed whole blood. Whole blood is added to fluorochrome-labeled antibodies that bind specifically to cell surface antigens on lymphocytes. After incubation, lysing and fixation, absolute counts are enumerated utilizing an internal quantitation standard. Additional CBC data is not required.
During HIV infection, antiviral therapy is often initiated when the absolute CD4 count drops below 500 cells/µL. When the absolute CD4 count drops below 200 cells/µL, therapeutic prophylaxis against PCP and other opportunistic infections may be initiated. When the absolute CD4 count drops below 100 cells/µL, prophylaxis against Mycobacterium avium complex is recommended.
For longitudinal studies involving serial monitoring, specimen collections should be performed at the same time of day.
Hotline History
CPT Codes
86359; 86360
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0095619 | Lymphocyte Subset Panel 3 Information | 48767-8 |
0095740 | Absolute CD3 | 8122-4 |
0095741 | Absolute CD8 | 14135-8 |
0095742 | Absolute CD4:CD8 Ratio | 54218-3 |
0095904 | Absolute CD4 | 24467-3 |
Aliases
- Helper T cell count
- Helper T-Cell count
- Immune Status-Flow Cytometry
- Lymphocyte Subset CD4 and CD8
- Absolute CD3, CD4, CD8 count
- P. jiroveci prophylaxis determination
- Absolute CD4 and CD8