Natural Killer Cells (CD3-CD16+CD56+), Absolute details
What Natural Killer Cells (CD3-CD16+CD56+), Absolute shows
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that form part of your innate immune system and can destroy virus-infected and abnormal cells without prior exposure. They are identified by flow cytometry as cells that lack the T-cell marker CD3 and carry CD16 and CD56. This value is the absolute count, the actual number of NK cells per volume of blood, rather than their percentage of lymphocytes. Lower counts can be seen with some immune deficiencies, certain medications, stress or illness, while higher counts can occur with some infections. NK counts vary over time and between people, so results are interpreted alongside your total lymphocyte count and clinical picture.
Tests that include Natural Killer Cells (CD3-CD16+CD56+), Absolute
Low numbers of NK cells are found in individuals who are susceptible to viral infections, including cytomegalovirus and varicella.
- CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%) Shows natural killer cells, identified as CD3-negative and CD16/CD56-positive, as a percentage of your lymphocytes, to help assess immune function.
- Lymphocytes The number of lymphocytes, white blood cells central to your immune response (including T-cells, B-cells, and NK cells), in your blood.
- Natural Killer Cells (CD3-CD16+CD56+), Absolute The absolute number of natural killer (NK) cells, immune cells that attack infected and abnormal cells, in your blood, measured by flow cytometry.
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