Test Catalog

Test Id : TBBS

Quantitative Lymphocyte Subsets: T, B, and Natural Killer (NK) Cells, Blood

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Serial monitoring of CD4 T-cell count in patients who are HIV-positive

 

Follow-up and diagnostic evaluation of primary immunodeficiencies, including severe combined immunodeficiency

 

Immune monitoring following immunosuppressive therapy for transplantation, autoimmunity, and other immunological conditions where such treatment is utilized

 

Assessment of immune reconstitution post hematopoietic cell transplantation

 

Early screening of gross quantitative anomalies in lymphocyte subsets in infection or malignancies

 

Absolute quantitation of circulating B cells for diagnosis of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia as indicated in the 2008 International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia guidelines

Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

Method Name
A short description of the method used to perform the test

Flow Cytometry

NY State Available
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.

Yes

Reporting Name
Lists a shorter or abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test

QN Lymphocyte Subsets: T, B, and NK

Aliases
Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

B Cell

B-Cell

CD19 Count, Flow Cytometry

CD3 Count, Flow Cytometry

CD4 Count, Flow Cytometry

CD56 Count, Flow Cytometry

CD8 Count, Flow Cytometry

Flow Cytometry, T- and B- Cells

Helper Suppressor Ratio

Immune Competence

Immune Status, Flow Cytometry

Immunodeficiency Panel, Flow Cytometry

Immunophenotyping -- CD4 Count, Flow Cytometry

Lymphocyte Surface Marker Assay

Quantitative CD4 and CD8

Suppressor Helper Ratio

T and B Cells

T Cell

T-Cell

T-Helper/T-Suppressor Ratio

T4/T8 Helper Suppressor Ratio

B and T Lymphocyte Surface Marker

T and B Lymphocyte Surface Marker

T and B-Cell Surface Markers: T-Helper/T-Suppressor, Flow Cytometry

Lymphocyte Enumeration

Lymphocyte Subset Enumeration

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

NK

Natural Killer Cells

NK cell quantitation

Total NK cells

QN Lymphocyte Subsets: T, B, and NK

Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type validated for testing

Whole Blood EDTA

Ordering Guidance

This assay should not be used for diagnosing lymphocytic malignancies or evaluation of lymphocytosis of unknown etiology. For such cases, order LCMS / Leukemia/Lymphoma Immunophenotyping, Flow Cytometry, Varies, which includes a hematopathology review.

 

This assay can be used for absolute quantitation of B cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

 

While this assay can be used to follow patients on B-cell-depleting therapy, like Rituximab or Ofatumumab, it may be more reasonable and financially viable to use CD20B / CD20 on B Cells, Blood (includes CD45, CD19 and CD20 markers).

Shipping Instructions

It is recommended that specimens arrive within 24 hours of collection. Collect and package specimen as close to shipping time as possible.

Necessary Information

Date and time of collection is required.

Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing

Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.

Additional Information: For serial monitoring, it is recommended that specimen collection be performed at the same time of day.

Special Instructions
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test

Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the Testing Laboratory

1 mL

Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject

Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole Blood EDTA Ambient 52 hours PURPLE OR PINK TOP/EDTA

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Serial monitoring of CD4 T-cell count in patients who are HIV-positive

 

Follow-up and diagnostic evaluation of primary immunodeficiencies, including severe combined immunodeficiency

 

Immune monitoring following immunosuppressive therapy for transplantation, autoimmunity, and other immunological conditions where such treatment is utilized

 

Assessment of immune reconstitution post hematopoietic cell transplantation

 

Early screening of gross quantitative anomalies in lymphocyte subsets in infection or malignancies

 

Absolute quantitation of circulating B cells for diagnosis of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia as indicated in the 2008 International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia guidelines

Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Lymphocytes in peripheral blood (circulation) are heterogeneous and can be broadly classified into T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. There are various subsets of each of these individual populations with specific cell-surface markers and function. This assay provides absolute (cells/mcL) and relative (%) quantitation for the main categories of T cells, B cells, and NK cells, in addition to a total lymphocyte count (CD45+). Each of these lymphocyte subpopulations have distinct effector and regulatory functions and are maintained in homeostasis under normal physiological conditions. Each of these lymphocyte subsets can be identified by a combination of one or more cell surface markers. The CD3 antigen is a pan-T-cell marker, and T cells can be further divided into 2 broad categories, based on the expression of CD4 or CD8 coreceptors. B cells can be identified by expression of CD19, while NK cells are typically identified by the coexpression of CD16 and CD56.

 

The absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets are known to be influenced by a variety of biological factors, including hormones, the environment, and temperature. The studies on diurnal (circadian) variation in lymphocyte counts have demonstrated progressive increase in CD4 T-cell count throughout the day, while CD8 T cells and CD19+ B cells increase between 8:30 a.m. and noon with no change between noon and afternoon. NK-cell counts, on the other hand, are constant throughout the day.(1) Circadian variations in circulating T-cell counts have been shown to be negatively correlated with plasma cortisol concentration.(2-4) In fact, cortisol and catecholamine concentrations control distribution and, therefore, numbers of naive versus effector CD4 and CD8 T cells.(2) It is generally accepted that lower CD4 T-cell counts are seen in the morning compared to the evening(5) and during summer compared to winter.(6) These data, therefore, indicate that timing and consistency in timing of blood collection is critical when serially monitoring patients for lymphocyte subsets.

 

Abnormalities in the number and percent of T (CD3, CD4, CD8), B (CD19), and NK (CD16+CD56) lymphocytes have been described in a number of different disease conditions. In patients who are infected with HIV, the CD4 count is measured for AIDS diagnosis and for initiation of antiviral therapy. The progressive loss of CD4 T lymphocytes in patients infected with HIV is associated with increased infections and complications. The Public Health Service has recommended that all patients who are HIV-positive be tested every 3 to 6 months for the level of CD4 T lymphocytes.

 

Lymphocyte subset quantitation is also very useful in the evaluation of patients with primary immunodeficiencies of all ages, including follow-up for newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency and immune monitoring following immunosuppressive therapy for transplantation, autoimmunity, or any other relevant clinical condition where immunomodulatory treatment is used.

 

It is also helpful as a preliminary screening assay for gross quantitative anomalies in any lymphocyte subset, whether related to malignancies or infection.

 

The 2008 guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) from the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(7) recommends changing the diagnostic criteria for CLL from an absolute lymphocyte count  greater than 5 x 10(9)/L to a circulating B-cell count greater than 5 x 10(9)/L(8,9) previously defined in the 1996 National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidelines for CLL. This flow cytometric assay enables accurate quantitation of circulating B cells using a single platform technology with absolute quantitation through the use of flow cytometry beads.

Reference Values
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

The appropriate age-related reference values will be provided on the report.

Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

HIV treatment guidelines from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel recommend antiviral treatment in all patients with HIV infection, regardless of CD4 T-cell count.(10,11) Additionally, antibiotic prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci infection is recommended for patients with CD4 count less than 200 cells/mcL. For other opportunistic infections, see the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.(12)

Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Lymphocyte subset counts should be appropriately interpreted in context of the clinical presentation and other immunological parameters and relevant laboratory test results.

 

For serial monitoring of lymphocyte subsets, it is recommended that the patient be evaluated at the same time of the day to account for diurnal variation.

 

For follow-up of infants identified by newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and severe T-cell lymphopenia, SCID should be considered as a potential diagnosis in infants with fewer than 300 autologous CD3 T cells/mcL. Infants with 300 to 1500 autologous CD3 T cells/mcL may have leaky SCID, Omenn syndrome, or variant SCID, depending on other clinical and molecular features.

 

In infants identified by newborn screening for SCID, T-cell lymphopenia is defined as having up to 1500 autologous CD3 T cells/mcL.

 

This assay should not be used for diagnosing lymphocytic malignancies or evaluation of lymphocytosis of unknown etiology, though the latter may be identified through this assay in a screening assessment. In such cases, LCMS / Leukemia/Lymphoma Immunophenotyping, Flow Cytometry, Varies will be recommended, which includes a hematopathology review. However, this assay can be used for absolute quantitation of B cells in CLL patients.

Clinical Reference
Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Carmichael KF, Abayomi A: Analysis of diurnal variation of lymphocyte subsets in healthy subjects and its implication in HIV monitoring and treatment. 15th Intl Conference on AIDS, 2004, Abstract B11052

2. Dimitrov S, Benedict C, Heutling D, et al: Cortisol and epinephrine control opposing circadian rhythms in T-cell subsets. Blood 2009 May 21;113(21):5134-5143

3. Dimitrov S, Lange T, Nohroudi K, Born J: Number and function of circulating antigen presenting cells regulated by sleep. Sleep. 2007 Apr;30(4):401-411

4. Kronfol Z, Nair M, Zhang Q, Hill EE, Brown MB: Circadian immune measures in healthy volunteers: relationship to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones and sympathetic neurotransmitters. Pyschosom Med. 1997 Jan-Feb;59(1):42-50

5. Malone JL, Simms TE, Gray GC, et al: Sources of variability in repeated T-helper lymphocyte counts from HIV 1-infected patients: total lymphocyte count fluctuations and diurnal cycle are important. J AIDS. 1990;3(2):144-151

6. Paglieroni TG, Holland PV: Circannual variation in lymphocyte subsets, revisited. Transfusion. 1994 Jun (6);34:512-516

7. Hallek M, Cheson BD, Catovsky D, et al: Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a report from the International Workshop on CLL updating the National Cancer Institute Working Group 1996 guidelines. Blood. 2008 Jun 15;111:5446-5456

8. Hanson CA, Kurtin PJ, Dogan A: The proposed diagnostic criteria change for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: unintended consequences? Blood. 2009 Jun 18;113(25):6495-6496

9. Hillmen P, Cheson BD, Catovsky D, et al: Response: Letters regarding Blood. 2008;111:5446-5456 by Hanson et al and Mulligan et al. . Blood. 2009 Jun;113(25):6497-6498. doi: 10.1182/blood-2009-04-165324

10. Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents: Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents living with HIV. Department of Health and Human Services; Updated January 20, 2022. Accessed April 4, 2022. Available at https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/sites/default/files/guidelines/documents/guidelines-adult-adolescent-arv.pdf

11. Thompson MA, Horberg MA, Agwu AL, et al: Primary care guidance for persons with human immunodeficiency virus: 2020 update by the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Dec 6;73(11):e3572-e3605. Erratum in: Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Dec 08

12. Panel on Opportunistic Infections in Adults and Adolescents with HIV. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections in adults and adolescents with HIV: recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Department of Health and Human Services; Updated February 17, 2022. Accessed April 4, 2022. Available at https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines

Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

Quantitive Lymphocyte Subsets: T, B, and Natural Killer:

The T, B, and natural killer (NK)-cell surface marker assay uses monoclonal antibodies to identify the various membrane antigens, and flow cytometry to enumerate the number of cells expressing these differentiation antigens. CD14 is used to exclude monocytes, thereby improving accuracy and enhancing the purity of the lymphocyte population. The results are reported as the percent of lymphocytes that are total T cells (CD3+), CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells, natural killer (CD16+56+, CD3-), and B-lymphocytes (CD19+), and the absolute number of each cell type per mL of blood. The assay is a 7-color no-wash procedure and the absolute counts are calculated from internal bead standards. In addition, the total lymphocyte count and the CD4:CD8 ratio are reported.(Hoffman RA, Kung PC, Hansen WP, Goedstien G: Simple and rapid measurement of human T lymphocytes and their subclasses in peripheral blood. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1980 Aug:77(8):4914-4917; Mandy FF, Nicholson JK, McDougal JS; CDC. Guidelines for performing single-platform absolute CD4+ T-cell determinations with CD45 gating for persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2003 Jan 31;52(RR-2):1-13)

PDF Report
Indicates whether the report includes an additional document with charts, images or other enriched information

No

Day(s) Performed
Outlines the days the test is performed. This field reflects the day that the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means that assays are performed multiple times during the day.

Monday through Sunday

Report Available
The interval of time (receipt of sample at Mayo Clinic Laboratories to results available) taking into account standard setup days and weekends. The first day is the time that it typically takes for a result to be available. The last day is the time it might take, accounting for any necessary repeated testing.

Same day/1 to 2 days

Specimen Retention Time
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

4 days

Performing Laboratory Location
Indicates the location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester

Fees
Several factors determine the fee charged to perform a test. Contact your U.S. or International Regional Manager for information about establishing a fee schedule or to learn more about resources to optimize test selection.

  • Authorized users can sign in to Test Prices for detailed fee information.
  • Clients without access to Test Prices can contact Customer Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Prospective clients should contact their account representative. For assistance, contact Customer Service.

Test Classification
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) product.

This test was developed using an analyte specific reagent. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information
Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Clinic Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.

CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.

86355

86357

86359

86360

LOINC® Information
Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the order and results codes of this test. LOINC values are provided by the performing laboratory.

Test Id Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
TBBS QN Lymphocyte Subsets: T, B, and NK 80721-4
Result Id Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
4054 % CD16+CD56 (NK cells) 8112-5
4055 CD16+CD56 (NK cells) 20402-4
3324 CD19 (B Cells) 8116-6
3322 CD3 (T Cells) 8122-4
3319 % CD4 (T Cells) 8123-2
3325 CD4 (T Cells) 24467-3
3326 CD8 (T Cells) 14135-8
3327 4/8 Ratio 54218-3
3321 CD45 Total Lymph Count 27071-0
3318 % CD19 (B Cells) 8117-4
3316 % CD3 (T Cells) 8124-0
3320 % CD8 (T Cells) 8101-8
6657 Comment 80722-2

Test Setup Resources

Setup Files
Test setup information contains test file definition details to support order and result interfacing between Mayo Clinic Laboratories and your Laboratory Information System.

Excel | PHP Pdf | CMS Pdf

Sample Reports
Normal and Abnormal sample reports are provided as references for report appearance.

Normal Reports | Abnormal Reports

SI Sample Reports
International System (SI) of Unit reports are provided for a limited number of tests. These reports are intended for international account use and are only available through MayoLINK accounts that have been defined to receive them.

SI Normal Reports | SI Abnormal Reports