Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 1-5 days (may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays)
What This Test Measures
This test evaluates your natural killer (NK) cell status through three specific measurements: absolute lymphocytes, the percentage of CD3-/CD16+CD56+ cells, and the absolute count of CD3-CD16+CD56+ cells. NK cells are identified using these CD3-/CD16+CD56+ surface markers, a standard way to distinguish them from other lymphocyte types.
This is a cellular immunity test, not an antibody test. It reports on the quantity of NK cells present in your blood (both as a percentage of lymphocytes and as an absolute count), not on how active or functional those cells are. Percentage and absolute count provide different information and are reported separately.
Benefits
- Measures both NK cell percentage and absolute count
- Includes absolute lymphocyte count for broader context
- Helps assess immune system status related to NK cell levels
- May support evaluation of recurrent miscarriage or infertility concerns
- Simple blood draw with no special preparation
Who Is This Test For?
- People whose provider wants to check NK cell levels
- Those being evaluated for possible immune system concerns
- Individuals exploring factors related to recurrent miscarriage
- People investigating unexplained infertility
- Those working with a provider to assess general immune status
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required for this test.
2. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1-5 days. This may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
3. What does this test measure?
This test evaluates NK cell status through three specific measurements: absolute lymphocytes, the percentage of CD3-/CD16+CD56+ cells, and the absolute count of CD3-CD16+CD56+ cells. These CD3-/CD16+CD56+ surface markers are the standard way to identify and distinguish NK cells from other lymphocyte types. This is a cellular immunity test, not an antibody test, so it does not measure antibodies or immunoglobulins of any class, and it does not evaluate other immune cell populations or immune system components beyond these three markers. The results reflect the quantity of NK cells present, not how active or functional those cells are.
4. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting NK cell results depends on your specific values, your medical history, and the clinical context in which the test was ordered. A result outside the expected range does not by itself confirm a specific condition, and a result within range does not rule one out. Because percentage and absolute count reflect different aspects of your NK cell status, both should be considered together rather than in isolation, and since cell counts reflect quantity only, they don't speak to activity or function. Discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare provider who can interpret them alongside your health history.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
5. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review your results with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help determine whether additional evaluation or testing is appropriate based on your individual health history and symptoms. This test result alone does not provide a complete clinical picture or confirm a diagnosis.
Pre test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
