CD4/CD8, flowcytometry Test
About CD4 and CD8 cells
CD4 and CD8 are the two subtypes of white blood cells in our blood. These cells help the immune system to combat infections. CD4 cells are also known as CD4 T-lymphocytes or helper T-cells, as they help fight infections by triggering our immune system. CD8 cells are also known as CD8 T- lymphocytes or T-suppressors or killer T cells, as they recognize and destroy cells in our body that are infected with bacteria or viruses.
The CD4/CD8 ratio is a marker for assessing immune function in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This ratio reflects the health of your immune system, meaning how well and robust your immune system is.
Symptoms of HIV
The common symptoms of HIV include
Fever
Chills
Rash
Night sweats
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Mouth ulcers
When is this test indicated?
A CD4/CD8 ratio may be used to,
Understand how HIV is affecting your immune system
Determine how well the HIV treatment is working
Diagnose AIDS
Monitor the treatment after organ transplant
Diagnose various lymphomas
Who is this test indicated for? You may require to take this test if you
Are diagnosed with HIV infection
Had any recent organ transplantation
Have cancer (lymphoma)
Are on HIV treatment
Test preparation
There are no special preparations needed to take the CD4/CD8 ratio test. This test is performed on a blood sample. A needle is inserted into a vein in your arm, and blood is drawn, collected in a sterile test tube, and tested.
Interpretation of results
Results are usually given as numbers.
|
Indication |
Ratio |
|
Low |
<1 |
|
Normal |
1-3 |
|
High |
>3 |
In general, a normal CD4/CD8 ratio is greater than 1.
CD4 lymphocytes between 500 and 1200/mm3 and CD8 lymphocytes between 150 and 1000/mm3.
Deviations from the normal ranges:
Any deviations from the normal ranges maybe interpreted as:
· Low levels of CD4/CD8 ratio may be an indication of HIV, AIDS (if CD4 lymphocytes are <200/mm3), bone marrow problems related to chemotherapy, anaemia, multiple sclerosis, chronic infections, etc.
· High levels of CD4/CD8 ratio than normal may be an indication of major infections, viral infections, and certain types of blood cancers such as lymphomas.
FAQs
I am diagnosed with HIV. How often should I take the CD4/CD8 ratio test?
If you have recently been diagnosed with HIV, you should have routine blood testing every three to six months after your first test. Once you've been on treatment for at least two years and have maintained an undetectable viral load in your blood, you can have it done once a year.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for CD4/CD8 ratio?
The test results of the CD4/CD8 ratio are usually available 1-2 days after the sample collection. However, it may also take a little longer at times.
Does pregnancy affect the CD4/CD8 ratio?
Yes. Maternal immune system changes during pregnancy are considered normal, including decreased levels of CD4 cells in the blood circulation. A decrease in these cells may eventually affect the ratio, indicating an increased risk of infection in pregnant women.
I was diagnosed with HIV infection and a very low CD4 cell count. Can it harm my baby?
Yes. Low CD4 cell counts may contribute to a variety of infections, weakening your immune system and negatively impacting the developing foetus in your body. However, if you are receiving HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy, or ART), it may prevent your baby from becoming infected with HIV. You may also need to take precautions during the delivery of the baby.
Can chemotherapy affect the CD4/CD8 ratio?
Yes, chemotherapy can affect the CD4/CD8 ratio. It affects the bone marrow, thereby reducing the production of white blood cells. It can have a big impact on the immune system. It reduces the body’s defence mechanism against any type of viral or bacterial infections during and after chemotherapy. It is one of the commonest reasons for reduced immunity in cancer patients. However, within one to two weeks, the ratio returns to normal.
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