Specimen:

Peripheral Blood

Collection Medium:

Alternate
Collection Media:

Lavender top tube (EDTA)

Minimum:

Adult:  10 mL whole blood in a yellow top tube (ACD solution A)
Pediatric:  2 mL whole blood in a lavender top tube (EDTA)

For absolute quantitative results, a CBC with Automated Differential 
must also be ordered.

Testing
Schedule:

0800-1630 Monday through Friday.

Analytic Time:

2 days

Reference Range:

The pathologist will provide an interpretative report.  Antibodies 
routinely included are:  CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD16/56, CD19, CD20 and 
CD45.

Adult reference ranges for peripheral blood by whole blood lysis method 
using flow cytometry:
                                             Absolute Counts
B cells (CD19)                       6-22%   53-726/mm3
T cells (CD3)                       65-85%  569-2804/mm3
T cells (CD4)                       34-62%  298-2045/mm3
T cells (CD8)                       14-42%  122-1386/mm3
T helper/induce (CD4+/CD3+)         30-62%  263-2045/mm3
T cytotoxic/suppressor (CD8+/CD3+)  13-37%  114-1221/mm3
NK cells (CD16+/CD56+/CD3-)         5-31%   44-1023/mm3
NK cells (CD56)                     5-29%   44-957/mm3
CD4/CD8 ratio                       0.9-3.6

Age specific pediatric reference ranges will be provided with the 
interpretive report.

Comments:

Specimens with absolute lymphocyte counts of <100/mm3 will not be
tested.

Test
Limitations:

Specimens with absolute lymphocyte counts of <100/mm3 will not be
tested.

Methodology:

Flow Cytometry-Whole Blood Lysis

Sample
Processing:

Relevant clinical information must be submitted with specimen in order 
to provide correct interpretation of test results.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as 
possible.

Sample
Storage:

Ambient or Room Temperature.

Transport
Instructions:

Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Ship at ambient temperature.
Recommend express mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

CPT Code:

88184 x1, 88185 x7 Technical, 88187 Professional

See Additional Information:
Flow Cytometry Consultation Overview