Reference Interval:
Reports include age appropriate reference intervals and interpretation.
| Components
| Reference Interval
| | Absolute CD4 (Helper T-cells)
| By report
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| Interpretive Data: |
In this test, the CD4 cells are Helper T-cells because they express both CD3 and CD4. Helper T-cell levels are a criterion for categorizing HIV-related clinical conditions by the CDC's classification system for HIV infection. The measurement of Helper T-cell levels has been used to establish decision points for initiating P. jiroveci prophylaxis, antiviral therapy and to monitor the efficacy of treatment. The Public Health Service (PHS) has recommended that Helper T-cell levels be monitored every three to six months in all HIV-infected persons.
The performance characteristics of this test were determined by ARUP Laboratories, Inc.
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| Note: |
This assay is specifically designed for enumerating the absolute cell counts of Helper T-cells in lysed whole blood. Whole blood is added to fluorochrome-labeled antibodies that bind specifically to cell surface antigens on lymphocytes. After incubation, lysing and fixation, absolute counts are enumerated utilizing an internal quantitation standard. Additional CBC data is not required.
During HIV infection, antiviral therapy is often initiated when the absolute CD4 count drops below 500 cells/µL. When the absolute CD4 count drops below 200 cells/µL, therapeutic prophylaxis against PCP and other opportunistic infections may be initiated. When the absolute CD4 count drops below 100 cells/µL, prophylaxis against Mycobacterium avium complex is recommended.
For longitudinal studies involving serial monitoring, specimen collections should be performed at the same time of day.
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| CPT Code(s): |
86361
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Cross References: |
CD4 (Lymphocyte Subset Panel 1 - CD4 Absolute Count Only) |
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