T-cell subsets blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that coordinate and carry out much of the immune response. T cells include CD4 helper cells, which direct immune activity, and CD8 cytotoxic cells, which destroy infected cells. B cells produce antibodies, and natural killer (NK) cells provide rapid defence against viruses.

T-cell subsets, also called lymphocyte subsets, uses a technique called flow cytometry to count each of these groups and report them as numbers and percentages. The test is mostly used in specialist care, for example in HIV monitoring, investigating recurrent or unusual infections, or monitoring people on treatments that affect the immune system.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• Your specialist has asked for lymphocyte subsets as part of an immune assessment.
• You have frequent, severe or unusual infections and your doctor is investigating your immune system.
• You have a low lymphocyte count on a full blood count and want more detail.
• You are on, or have finished, treatment that affects immune cells and need monitoring.
• You are living with HIV and want an additional CD4 count to share with your clinic.

Understanding your result

Your report shows each lymphocyte group as an absolute count and as a percentage, with the laboratory reference ranges. Low counts in one group can be seen after viral infections, with steroids or other immune-suppressing medicines, with stress and illness, and in a range of immune conditions. Raised counts can occur with some infections and other conditions.

Lymphocyte numbers vary with time of day and recent illness, so a single result is interpreted alongside your history and a full blood count. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion and possible referral, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed for this sample. We recommend booking a morning appointment and, if you test again, keeping to a similar time of day, as lymphocyte counts vary through the day. The sample needs to reach the laboratory promptly, so we confirm appointment times when you book. Please let us know about any steroids or immune-suppressing medicines and any recent infection.

A full blood count gives the overall lymphocyte count and is often a sensible first step. If you need an HIV test, see our sexual health tests. Compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a T-cell subsets test in Chiswick?

The T-Cell Subsets test costs £329. The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Is this the same as a CD4 count?

It includes the CD4 count but also reports CD8 T cells, B cells and natural killer cells, giving a broader picture of your lymphocytes.

Can this test diagnose an immune deficiency?

Not on its own. Immune conditions are diagnosed by specialists using several tests together with your history.

Why might my CD4 count be low?

Temporary drops can follow viral infections, steroids or significant stress. Persistent low counts need medical review to find the cause.