Specimen

Whole Blood

Minimum:

20 ml; two green tops.  Do not use a needle smaller than 21 gauge.

Delivery Instructions:

Keep at room temperature.  Do not refrigerate.

Reference Range:

Internal control and normal range reported with each sample.

Comments:

Since the assay is run on Tuesday only, the blood must be drawn on 
Tuesday.  Do not centrifuge.  This assay is run using viable 
lymphocytes.  Have floor deliver to Cellular Immunology Lab, VAMC Bldg. 
41, Room 223  or Specimen Control (6240 RCP) within 3 hours of drawing.  
Must be in lab no later than noon.  Test may also be run on Friday, but 
prior arrangements (1-2 day advance notice) are required. Call 
158-7550.

This battery examines the spontaneous proliferation of T and B 
lymphocytes as well as their ability to proliferate in response to 
polyclonal stimuli (PHA, CON A, PWM, IL-2, and Anti-CD3); also included 
is the T lymphocyte response to Tetanus and Candida recall antigens and 
to alloantigen.  This battery of tests should give a good indication as 
to whether T or B lymphocytes (or lymphocyte subsets) have a functional 
deficit.