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CD16/56
Immunity
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No Fasting Required
Details
Flow cytometry panel of immune cell surface markers.
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CD16/56 Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- Identifies and quantifies natural killer (NK) cells in blood samples using flow cytometry
- Evaluates immune system function and cellular immunity status
- Diagnoses immunodeficiency disorders and natural killer cell deficiencies
- Monitors patients with HIV/AIDS to assess immune reconstitution
- Evaluates suspected lymphoproliferative disorders and hematologic malignancies
- Assesses recurrent infections and chronic viral infections
- Part of comprehensive immunophenotyping panels for leukemia and lymphoma diagnosis
- Typically performed during initial immune workup or when immunodeficiency is suspected
- Normal Range
- CD16+CD56+ (Total NK cells): 5-20% of lymphocytes or approximately 50-350 cells/μL
- CD16+CD56dim (Cytotoxic NK cells): 90-95% of NK cells; primarily responsible for cytotoxic function
- CD16-CD56bright (Cytokine-producing NK cells): 5-10% of NK cells; produce immunoregulatory cytokines
- Normal ranges vary by laboratory and patient age; reference intervals should be obtained from the testing laboratory
- Results expressed as percentage of lymphocytes or absolute count (cells/μL)
- Normal results indicate adequate NK cell numbers and function; abnormal results suggest immune compromise or specific pathology
- Interpretation
- Elevated CD16/56 counts: May indicate NK cell leukemia, NK lymphoproliferative disease, or clonal NK cell expansion; can also occur with chronic viral infections (CMV, EBV, hepatitis) or recent immune stimulation
- Decreased CD16/56 counts: Suggests NK cell deficiency, immunodeficiency disorders, HIV/AIDS, bone marrow disorders, or chemotherapy effects; indicates compromised innate immunity
- Altered CD16+CD56dim/CD16-CD56bright ratio: Indicates functional abnormalities; expansion of CD16-CD56bright cells associated with immune activation; reduction in CD16+CD56dim cells suggests impaired cytotoxic function
- Factors affecting results: Age, medications (immunosuppressants, biologics), recent infections, exercise, stress, pregnancy, bone marrow disorders, and chemotherapy can influence NK cell counts
- Clinical significance: Results must be interpreted with clinical context, other lymphocyte subsets (CD4, CD8), and patient presentation; serial monitoring may be more informative than single measurements
- Clonal populations identified by flow cytometry may require further evaluation with genetic studies or bone marrow examination
- Associated Organs
- Primary organ systems: Immune system, hematologic system, bone marrow, blood, lymph nodes, and spleen
- Conditions associated with abnormal results: NK cell leukemia/lymphoma, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), NK cell deficiency syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, HIV/AIDS, cytomegalovirus infection, Epstein-Barr virus infection, chronic hepatitis, aplastic anemia
- Diseases diagnosed/monitored: Acute leukemias, chronic leukemias, lymphomas, immunodeficiency disorders, opportunistic infections, autoimmune conditions, and transplant rejection
- Potential complications: Severe infections with encapsulated organisms, disseminated viral infections, increased malignancy risk, immune dysregulation, and sepsis in immunocompromised patients
- Natural killer cells originate from bone marrow and migrate to lymphoid tissues and peripheral blood where they provide frontline defense against viral infections and malignant transformation
- Follow-up Tests
- Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate overall leukocyte and lymphocyte populations
- CD4/CD8 T-cell enumeration in HIV-positive patients or those with suspected immunodeficiency
- Extended flow cytometry panel including CD3, CD19, CD14, HLA-DR to assess complete immune status
- Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration if leukemia or lymphoproliferative disorder is suspected
- Cytochemical or molecular studies (PCR, chromosomal analysis) for clonal NK cell populations
- NK cell functional assays (cytotoxicity testing) if dysfunction is suspected
- Viral serology (CMV, EBV, hepatitis) if chronic infection is suspected
- Immunoglobulin levels and B-cell enumeration for comprehensive immune assessment
- Serial CD16/56 monitoring every 3-6 months for HIV patients or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy
- Imaging studies (CT, PET) if lymphoproliferative disease or malignancy is indicated
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting: No fasting is required
- This is a blood test using flow cytometry analysis that does not require dietary preparation
- Patient preparation: No special preparation needed; routine venipuncture will be performed
- Medications: Continue all medications as prescribed unless otherwise directed by healthcare provider; immunosuppressive medications should be noted as they may affect results
- Timing considerations: Test can be performed at any time of day; recent infections or vaccinations should be documented as they may transiently affect NK cell counts
- Specimen must be collected in appropriate EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) tube and processed within 24 hours for optimal results
How our test process works!

