Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1

The Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 test contains 1 test with 12 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 test is a flow cytometry test that assesses the number and percentages of specific types of white blood cells (WBCs), mainly focusing on lymphocyte populations. These populations include total T cells (CD3+), T-helper/inducer cells (CD4+), T-suppressor/cytotoxic cells (CD8+), and natural killer (NK) cells (CD16+/CD56+).

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test May Be Ordered

This test may be ordered:

• At Diagnosis: To evaluate individuals with suspected immune disorders.

• HIV Monitoring: It's a standard test to monitor CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts in individuals diagnosed with HIV, as these counts can guide treatment decisions and provide insights about disease progression.

• Post-transplant Monitoring: After organ or bone marrow transplantation, to assess immune response and the possibility of transplant rejection.

• Autoimmune Disease Evaluation: In cases where autoimmune diseases are suspected, as alterations in lymphocyte subsets might provide crucial insights.

• Cancer Monitoring: Especially in certain lymphomas or leukemias where lymphocyte populations may be affected.

What the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test Checks For

The test determines:

• The absolute count and percentage of total T cells (CD3+).

• The absolute count and percentage of T-helper/inducer cells (CD4+).

• The absolute count and percentage of T-suppressor/cytotoxic cells (CD8+).

• The absolute count and percentage of NK cells (CD16+/CD56+).

These cell types play different roles in the immune system and can give insights into various conditions and their management.

Other Lab Tests Ordered Alongside the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test

When a Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of immune function and related health issues. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential:

   • Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To provide a complete picture of the blood and immune cells, including lymphocyte count as part of the differential.

2. Quantitative Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM):

   • Purpose: To measure the levels of major immunoglobulins in the blood.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate humoral immunity (antibody-mediated immunity), especially in cases of suspected immunodeficiency or autoimmune disorders.

3. ANA and Rheumatoid Factor:

   • Purpose: To detect autoantibodies that might indicate autoimmune diseases.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Because alterations in lymphocyte subsets can be associated with autoimmune conditions.

4. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Tests:

   • Purpose: To test for current or past infections with these viruses.
   • Why Is It Ordered: CMV and EBV can profoundly affect the immune system, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1, provide a comprehensive assessment of the immune system. They are crucial for diagnosing and managing immunodeficiency disorders, monitoring HIV/AIDS treatment, evaluating autoimmune diseases, and understanding other conditions that affect immune function. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, clinical presentation, and suspected or known medical conditions.

Conditions or Diseases that Require the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test

• HIV/AIDS: Changes in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers are crucial indicators of HIV disease progression and treatment response.

• Certain Cancers: Like lymphomas or leukemias.

• Autoimmune Diseases: Such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system might be overactive.

• Primary or Secondary Immunodeficiencies: Where there's a suspected inherent weakness in the immune system or an acquired one due to medications or other conditions.

Usage of Results from the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test by Health Care Providers

The results of the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 test offer insights into the immune system's state and functionality. For instance:

• HIV Management: A declining CD4+ T cell count might indicate worsening of the condition or a poor response to antiretroviral therapy.

• Post-transplant Monitoring: Abnormalities in lymphocyte subsets might signal potential graft-versus-host disease or transplant rejection.

• Cancer Treatment Decisions: The specifics of lymphocyte populations can guide chemotherapy or immunotherapy decisions in lymphomas or leukemias.

• Evaluating Immunodeficiency: Low levels of certain lymphocytes might confirm suspected primary or secondary immunodeficiencies.

In conclusion, the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 test provides valuable information about the immune system's status and helps guide treatment decisions in a range of diseases.

Most Common Questions About the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 test:

Purpose and Indications of the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test

What is the primary objective of the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test?

The Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test primarily aims to measure and provide a count of different types of white blood cells, specifically T cells, B cells, and NK (natural killer) cells, which play a vital role in the body's immune response.

When is the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test typically ordered by physicians?

The test is often ordered when a physician suspects an immune deficiency or an imbalance in the types of lymphocytes, especially in conditions like HIV/AIDS, certain types of leukemia, or following organ transplantation.

Interpretation of Results

What do the results of the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test indicate?

The test provides counts and percentages of various lymphocyte subsets. Elevated or decreased levels of specific lymphocytes can provide insight into immune function and suggest the presence of certain conditions or diseases. For instance, decreased CD4 T-cell counts are often associated with HIV infection.

How do the results of the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test compare to standard ranges?

Standard ranges for each type of lymphocyte subset are typically provided alongside the patient's results. If a patient's lymphocyte count is outside of the standard range, it may indicate an immune disorder or another medical condition that affects lymphocytes.

Implications and Medical Management

If someone has abnormal results on the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test, what might the next steps in medical management be?

Abnormal results can lead to further diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause. For instance, a reduced CD4 count might prompt tests for HIV. Treatment or management would depend on the underlying condition causing the lymphocyte imbalance.

How frequently might a physician order the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test for a patient with a known condition, like HIV/AIDS?

For patients with known conditions like HIV/AIDS, the frequency of testing varies based on the stage of the disease, treatment, and the patient's overall health. In the early stages of HIV or during antiretroviral therapy, the test might be ordered more frequently to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Test Specifics

How does the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test differ from other lymphocyte tests?

The Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test specifically measures the number and percentages of T cells, B cells, and NK cells. While other lymphocyte tests might focus on function or the presence of specific antibodies, this test provides a quantitative analysis of major lymphocyte subsets, giving a broad overview of immune health.

Is there any clinical scenario where the Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 Test might not be the best choice for lymphocyte analysis?

While the test offers valuable information about lymphocyte counts, it doesn't provide functional data. In cases where a physician wants to know how well lymphocytes are responding to stimuli or producing antibodies, other functional assays or tests might be more appropriate.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.