Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is cell surface immunophenotyping?
- When should I undergo cell surface immunophenotyping?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before undergoing cell surface immunophenotyping?
- Process
- What should I do before undergoing cell surface immunophenotyping?
- How is the cell surface immunophenotyping process?
- What should I do after undergoing cell surface immunophenotyping?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
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Definition
What is cell surface immunophenotyping?
Cell surface immunophenotyping is used to detect the development of CD4 T-cells. Then, the doctor will diagnose the patient's risk of AIDS infection. For additional information, this test can diagnose acute myeloid leukemia. All lymphocytes originate from tissue cells in the bone marrow. Normal hematopoietic cells undergo changes in surface markers as they grow from stem cells to specific cells. Monoclonal antibodies have developed in response to peripheral surface cells of blood.
One type of lymphocytes that mature in the bone marrow are called B-lymphocytes. B-lymphocytes provide humoral immunity (antibody production). The second type of lymphocytes growing from the thymus are called T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes are responsible for cellular immunity. Finally, the T and B non-lymphocyte cell groups are called natural killer cells (NK cells). These cells attack foreign or cancer cells with chemicals.
Monoclonal antibodies counter cell surface signals to determine different types of lymphocytes. The exact number and proportion of cells were measured using the cytometric flow method. This method can be taken using blood or suspense cell tissue. Cell flow measurement can analyze thousands of cells in less than a minute.
CD4 (helper T-cells) and CD8 (suppressor T-cells) are examples of T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes in particular when combined with an HIV viral load test can determine the start time of antiretroviral treatment. This test can also be used to monitor antiviral treatment. The success of antiviral treatment was associated with an increase in CD4 cell count. The worsening of the condition or failure of treatment is due to the reduced number of T-lymphocytes.
There are three CD4 measurements associated with T-lymphocytes. The first measure is the total number of CD4 cells (exact count). This parameter measures the whole blood and by measuring the total white blood cells, reviewing and classifying lymphocytes and the lymphocyte percentage of CD4 T-cells. Second, measuring the CD4 cell count, as a sign to help with a more accurate prognosis. CD4 T percentage measures the percentage of CD4 + T-lymphocytes in the entire blood sample by matching surface antigen and flow cytometry. This procedure is taken by detection of specific antigen elements on the surface of CD4 lymphocytes by monoclonal antibodies marked with a fluorescent dye. The third reliable prognostic sign of CD4 cell count, CD4 and CD8 ratio.
AIDS decreases the number of T cells that carry CD4 receptors. The clinical complications caused by AIDS are caused by decreased CD4 T-cell counts. Therefore, CD4 cell count helps predict whether patients at risk of developing HIV infection have other opportunistic infections. Measurement of CD4 levels is used to decide whether to initiate prophylactic treatment for Pneumocytis pneumonia jiroveci and whether or not to use antiretroviral treatment, and the prognosis for patients with HIV.
Both immunodeficiency cases and immunosuppressive drugs used after organ transplantation can be monitored using surface identification of immune cells. Lymphoma and other lymphocyte diseases are classified and processed based on the dominant lymphocyte type. In some cases, the prognosis of this disease depends on the immune identification of these lymphocytes.
When should I undergo cell surface immunophenotyping?
This test is used to detect the progression of decreased CD4 T-cells, which increase the chance of clinical complications when exposed to AIDS. The test results can show if an AIDS patient is at risk for opportunistic infectious diseases. This test is also used to confirm the diagnosis of leukemia, acute myeloid (AML) and to differentiate AML from acute leukemia, lymphoma line (ALL).
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before undergoing cell surface immunophenotyping?
Factors that affect the test results include:
- sampling time: the number of cells changes throughout the day
- viral disease can reduce the total number of T lymphocytes
- nicotine reduces the number of lymphocytes
- steroids can increase the lymphocyte count
- Immunosuppressive drugs will reduce the lymphocyte count
It is important that you know the warnings and precautions before performing this operation. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.
Process
What should I do before undergoing cell surface immunophenotyping?
Your doctor will explain the procedure and test procedures. You have to be mentally prepared when you get results. You don't need to fast. Don't worry because the doctor will make sure no one gets judge your sexual behavior. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
How is the cell surface immunophenotyping process?
The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
- clean the area to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
- Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
- untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
- sticking gauze or cotton on the injection site, after the injection is complete
- apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on.
What should I do after undergoing cell surface immunophenotyping?
You will not feel pain at the time of the injection. In some people, they may feel stabbing pain when the needle passes through the skin. But when the needle is in the vein and starts drawing blood, the majority of people don't feel any pain anymore. Generally, the level of pain depends on the skills of the nurse, the condition of the veins and your sensitivity to pain.
After drawing blood, you need to use a bandage and lightly press on the injection site to stop the bleeding. You can return to normal activities after the test. You will be asked to monitor the injection site for infection because if you have leukemia or AIDS, you are at high risk for infection at the blood draw site. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor about whether the results and the prognosis are good or bad. Doctors cannot explain your test results over the phone.
If you have questions related to this test process, please consult your doctor for a better understanding.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
Normal result:
Type | % | Cell / uL |
T cells | 60-95 | 800-2500 |
T cell support | 60-75 | 600-1500 |
Abnormal results:
Increased number of cells
Decreased number of cells
Leukemia in transplant patients
Lymphoma
Immunodeficiency disease
Depending on your chosen laboratory, the range of normal cell surface immunophenotyping may vary. Discuss any questions you have about your medical test results with your doctor.