Lymphocyte subset analysis
Absolute counts of T and B lymphocytes and NK cells can indicate the presence of an immunodeficiency. CD4 monitoring in patients with HIV gives information about the progress of the disease. T cell numbers may be monitored in patients receiving treatment for transplant rejection. B cell numbers are monitored in patients receiving treatment (Rituximab) for lymphoma or autoimmune disease.
T cell activation
Used for functional analysis of the different populations of T lymphocytes. T-cell function tests are especially recommended when there is the suspicion of a disorder in cellular immunity, characterised by skin disorders, repeated viral illness and general opportunistic infections caused by fungal, viral and/or bacterial infections. Please contact the laboratory in advance if this test is required.
DHR (neutrophil oxidative burst)
The main purpose of the assay is to detect patients who have abnormal neutrophil respiratory burst in producing free radicals. One such condition is Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) an inherited phagocyte disorder of the reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex resulting in defective superoxide generation and intracellular killing.
Foetal-maternal haemorrhage
This is used for the quantification of foetal-maternal haemorrhage in rhesus negative mothers.
NK cells activation
There is evidence that assessment of activated NK cells may be helpful in predicting the success of IVF treatment. An increase in the absolute count of activated NK cells (CD56+CD16+CD69+) in the peripheral blood was seen to be associated with a reduced rate of embryo implantation following IVF treatment. Furthermore, successfully implanted women with high CD56+CD16+CD69+ peripheral blood NK cell absolute count have shown to exhibit significantly higher subsequent miscarriage rate.
