Total T-Cell Count Test
This test measures the number of the T-cells in the blood. T-cells are a type of white blood cell that has a number of functions.
T-cells are a type of white blood cell that has a number of functions, including helping the body fight infection. A total T-cell count is the number of T-cells in the blood.
- T-cells are specific white blood cells (lymphocytes) that develop, or mature, in the thymus gland.
- There are different types of T-cells. Some examples are CD3, CD4, and CD8.
- When someone is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus enters the CD4 cells and progressively destroys them.
- This test does not give a breakdown of the different types of T cells.
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have been diagnosed with diagnosed with HIV infection and they want to:
- See how strong your immune system is at the time of your diagnosis
- Evaluate how well your treatment plan is working
Sometimes this test may be used to evaluate other conditions, including:
- Lymphomas
- DiGeorge syndrome (a rare congenital disorder caused by a defect in chromosome 22, which leads to poor development of several body systems)
In an adult, the blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm.
- No special preparation is needed for this test.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- Is there any special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What is the reason for this particular test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
- What other testing do I need to monitor my treatment?
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
White Blood CellRatioCD RatioCD4/CD8 ratioImmunodeficiencyAIDSCD8CD4CD3ThymusLymphocyteHIVT CellTcellT-CellTotal T-Cell Count Test
T-cells are a type of white blood cell that has a number of functions, including helping the body fight infection. A total T-cell count is the number of T-cells in the blood.
- T-cells are specific white blood cells (lymphocytes) that develop, or mature, in the thymus gland.
- There are different types of T-cells. Some examples are CD3, CD4, and CD8.
- When someone is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus enters the CD4 cells and progressively destroys them.
- This test does not give a breakdown of the different types of T cells.
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have been diagnosed with diagnosed with HIV infection and they want to:
- See how strong your immune system is at the time of your diagnosis
- Evaluate how well your treatment plan is working
Sometimes this test may be used to evaluate other conditions, including:
- Lymphomas
- DiGeorge syndrome (a rare congenital disorder caused by a defect in chromosome 22, which leads to poor development of several body systems)
In an adult, the blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm.
- No special preparation is needed for this test.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- Is there any special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What is the reason for this particular test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
- What other testing do I need to monitor my treatment?
Source UHC.com
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