T-Cell CD4 and CD8 Ratio Test
This test measures the amount of two different types of T-cells, CD4 and CD8, in the blood. A CD4/CD8 ratio is included in the test results.
T-cells are a type of white blood cell that have several functions, including helping the body fight infection. A CD4 and CD8 test measures the amount of two different types of T-cells, CD4 and CD8, in the blood. A CD4/CD8 ratio is a measure of one's immune system and is included in the results.
- 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 CD4 and CD8.
- When the blood is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus enters the CD4 cells and destroys them.
- The CD4/CD8 ratio can be affected by viral infections, tuberculosis and corticosteroid use. It can also be affected by the time of day and year (seasonal).
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have been diagnosed with diagnosed with HIV infection and they want to:
- Determine what stage your infection is at
- Evaluate how well your treatment plan is working
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-CellT-Cell CD4 and CD8 Ratio Test
T-cells are a type of white blood cell that have several functions, including helping the body fight infection. A CD4 and CD8 test measures the amount of two different types of T-cells, CD4 and CD8, in the blood. A CD4/CD8 ratio is a measure of one's immune system and is included in the results.
- 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 CD4 and CD8.
- When the blood is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus enters the CD4 cells and destroys them.
- The CD4/CD8 ratio can be affected by viral infections, tuberculosis and corticosteroid use. It can also be affected by the time of day and year (seasonal).
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have been diagnosed with diagnosed with HIV infection and they want to:
- Determine what stage your infection is at
- Evaluate how well your treatment plan is working
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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