A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Natural Killer Cells

Test Code
37088


Alias/See Also
NATURAL KILLER CELLS ACTIVITY


CPT Codes
86357

Includes
Absolute Lymphocytes
NK Cells CD3-CD16+CD56+ABS
CD3-/CD16+CD56+(%)


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


Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Instructions
Do not freeze. Do not transfer whole blood to M4. Submit EDTA tube at room temperature.


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable


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

Hemolysis • Received refrigerated • Received frozen



Methodology
Flow Cytometry (FC)

Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: 2-3 days


Reference Range
Absolute Lymphocytes
3 days2000-11500 cells/uL
2 weeks2000-17000 cells/uL
1 month2500-16500 cells/uL
2 months3300-15000 cells/uL
6 months4000-13500 cells/uL
2 years4000-10500 cells/uL
6 years2000-8000 cells/uL
12 years1500-6500 cells/uL
18 years1200-5200 cells/uL
>18 years850-3900 cells/uL
Natural Killer Cells CD3-CD16+CD56+ (ABS)
1 year160-930 cells/uL
2 years95-620 cells/uL
6 years60-540 cells/uL
12 years70-500 cells/uL
18 years60-430 cells/uL
>18 years70-760 cells/uL
CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%)
1 year3-14 %
2 years2-16 %
6 years3-20 %
12 years3-19 %
18 years3-18 %
>18 years4-25 %


Clinical Significance
Low numbers of NK cells 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: March 8, 2021


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.