Specimen: Blood
Results: 3-5 Business days
Description:
This test is used to gauge the status of a person’s immune system. Two types of Lymphocytes (type of white blood cells) are CD4 and CD8 cells. CD4 cells are sometimes called helper cells. They help to identify, attack, and destroy specific bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause infections. CD8 cells are sometimes called suppressor cells and they identify and kill cells that have been infected with viruses or that have been affected by cancer. The CD4/CD8 ratio tells how strong your immune system is and helps predict how likely you are to develop a crippling infection.
Conditions that can be monitored with this test include HIV/AIDS, infectious mononucleosis and other viral infections, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin disease, aplastic anemia, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.
Includes:
Absolute Lymphocytes, Percentage CD4, Absolute CD4, Percentage CD8, Absolute CD8, CD4/CD8 Ratio (calculated)
Methodology:
Flow Cytometry
Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.