NK Cell & Lymphocyte Panel

This panel measures the main types of lymphocyte, a group of white blood cells that are central to your immune system. Using markers found on the surface of these cells, it identifies and counts the different lymphocyte populations, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, giving a detailed picture of the make-up and balance of your immune cells.

What is measured

The panel identifies the main lymphocyte populations using their surface markers:

• T cells: CD3 (all T cells), with CD4 (helper T cells) and CD8 (cytotoxic T cells)
• B cells: CD19, which produce antibodies
• Natural killer (NK) cells: CD16, CD56, and CD57, which respond to infected or abnormal cells

Together these show the numbers and proportions of each cell type, and the balance between them.

What it can help assess

• Immune system health: giving an overview of whether the main immune cell populations are present in normal numbers
• Investigating immune deficiency: helping to assess suspected problems with the immune system
• Monitoring immune conditions and treatments: where a condition or therapy affects the immune cells

Interpreting your result

This is a specialist test, and the results are provided to the clinician who referred you. Lymphocyte numbers can be affected by infections, medications, stress, and other temporary factors, so results are interpreted in context. Your referring clinician will explain what your result means alongside your history and any other investigations, and advise on any next steps.

Why it matters

The numbers and balance of your lymphocytes provide a valuable window into how your immune system is functioning. This panel gives a detailed profile of your immune cells, supporting the assessment and monitoring of immune health as part of a wider investigation arranged by your clinician.

• CD3 (total T cells)
• CD4 (helper T cells)
• CD8 (cytotoxic T cells)
• CD16 (NK cells)
• CD19 (B cells)
• CD56 (NK cells)
• CD57 (NK/T cell subset)

Referral required