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HelpTest Code TBCLT T and B Cells, Total
Specimen Required
5 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 72 hours Refrigerated: Unacceptable Frozen: Unacceptable
Rejection Due To
ACD (yellow-top) tube • Sodium heparin (green-top) tube
Method Name
Flow Cytometry (FC)
Includes
Absolute Lymphocytes, Absolute CD19+ Cells, % CD19 (B Cells), Absolute CD3+ Cells, % CD3 (Mature T Cells)
Collection Container / Tube
Preferred: EDTA (lavendar-top)
tube
Other Acceptable Container: None
Transport / Storage Conditions
Room temperature
Special Instructions
Do not transfer whole blood to M4 preservative.
Whole blood collected in ACD or sodium
heparin (green-top) tube is not acceptable.
Volumes less than 1 mL should be submitted in a pediatric
EDTA tube. Submit the EDTA tube(s) at room temperature. Do not
refrigerate or freeze.
It is recommended that the sample be drawn shortly before courier
pick up and be received within 24 hours.
Reference Values
See Laboratory Report
Day(s) Performed
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: Next day
CPT Codes
86355, 86359
Clinical Reference
Low numbers of nk celss are found in individuals who are susceptible to viral infections, including cytomegalovirus and varicella.