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.




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 Cell
Ratio
CD Ratio
CD4/CD8 ratio
Immunodeficiency
AIDS
CD8
CD4
CD3
Thymus
Lymphocyte
HIV
T Cell
Tcell
T-Cell
Total T-Cell Count Test


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