T and B Cells, Total

Message

Do not transfer whole blood to M4 preservative.
Whole blood collected in ACD or sodium heparin (green-top) tube is not acceptable.
Volumes less than 1 mL should be submitted in a pediatric EDTA tube. Submit the EDTA tube(s) at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

It is recommended that the sample be drawn shortly before courier pick up and be received within 24 hours.

Test Code

TBCLT

CPT Codes
86355, 86359

Includes

Absolute Lymphocytes, Absolute CD19+ Cells, % CD19 (B Cells), Absolute CD3+ Cells, % CD3 (Mature T Cells)

Preferred Specimen

5 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 72 hours Refrigerated: Unacceptable Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

ACD (yellow-top) tube • Sodium heparin (green-top) tube

Methodology

Flow Cytometry (FC)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: Next day

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

Low numbers of nk celss are found in individuals who are susceptible to viral infections, including cytomegalovirus and varicella.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute 14225 Newbrook Drive Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: February 24, 2012

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.