Natural Killer Cells
Test Code
37088
86357
CPT Code is subject to a Medicare Limited Coverage Policy and may require a signed ABN when ordering.
Clinical Significance
Natural Killer Cells - Low numbers of NK cells are found in individuals who are susceptible to viral infections, including cytomegalovirus and varicella.
Test Resources
None found for this test
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Test Details
Absolute Lymphocytes
NK Cells CD3-CD16+CD56+ABS
CD3-/CD16+CD56+(%)
NK Cells CD3-CD16+CD56+ABS
CD3-/CD16+CD56+(%)
Methodology
Flow Cytometry (FC)
Reference Range(s)
| Absolute Lymphocytes | |
| 3 days | 2000-11500 cells/uL |
| 2 weeks | 2000-17000 cells/uL |
| 1 month | 2500-16500 cells/uL |
| 2 months | 3300-15000 cells/uL |
| 6 months | 4000-13500 cells/uL |
| 2 years | 4000-10500 cells/uL |
| 6 years | 2000-8000 cells/uL |
| 12 years | 1500-6500 cells/uL |
| 18 years | 1200-5200 cells/uL |
| >18 years | 850-3900 cells/uL |
| Natural Killer Cells CD3-CD16+CD56+ (ABS) | |
| 1 year | 160-930 cells/uL |
| 2 years | 95-620 cells/uL |
| 6 years | 60-540 cells/uL |
| 12 years | 70-500 cells/uL |
| 18 years | 60-430 cells/uL |
| >18 years | 70-760 cells/uL |
| CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%) | |
| 1 year | 3-14 % |
| 2 years | 2-16 % |
| 6 years | 3-20 % |
| 12 years | 3-19 % |
| 18 years | 3-18 % |
| >18 years | 4-25 % |
Preferred Specimen(s)
5 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Collection Instructions
Do not freeze. Do not transfer whole blood to M4. Submit EDTA tube at room temperature.
Transport Container
EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 72 hours
- Refrigerated: Unacceptable
- Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria
Hemolysis • Received refrigerated • Received frozen
Setup Schedule
5 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
0.5 mL
Do not freeze. Do not transfer whole blood to M4. Submit EDTA tube at room temperature.
EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Hemolysis • Received refrigerated • Received frozen