Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | TBNK Panel, T, B and NK Cell Panel, Lymphocyte Subset Panel, CD4 CD8 NK B Cell Enumeration, Lymphocyte Immunophenotyping |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (EDTA tube) and bone marrow |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; commonly ordered for immunodeficiency assessment |
| Price | Starting at ₹5,600 |
What is a Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test?
The Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test is a specialised blood test that counts and classifies the different types of immune cells in your blood. It uses a technique called flow cytometry, in which a laser-based instrument identifies and counts cells based on surface markers. Doctors order this test to assess how well your immune system is working. It is also known as the TBNK Panel or Lymphocyte Subset Panel.
What Does a Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test Measure?
This test identifies and counts six key groups of immune cells in your blood. Each cell type plays a different role in protecting your body from infection and disease.
The following parameters are reported as both a percentage of total lymphocytes and as an absolute count (cells per microlitre of blood):
| Parameter | What it Represents |
|---|---|
| CD3+ T cells | Total T lymphocytes: the main cells that coordinate immune defence |
| CD3+CD4+ T cells (Helper T cells) | Cells that activate and direct other immune cells |
| CD3+CD8+ T cells (Cytotoxic T cells) | Cells that directly destroy virus-infected or abnormal cells |
| CD4:CD8 Ratio | The balance between helper and cytotoxic T cells |
| CD19+ B cells | Cells that produce antibodies against infections |
| CD16+CD56+ NK cells | Natural Killer cells that attack infected and cancerous cells without prior sensitisation |
Why is a Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test Done?
This test is used to evaluate the immune system when a doctor suspects it may not be functioning correctly. It can also track how the immune system responds to treatment over time.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend the Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test, if you experience any of the following:
- Recurrent or unusually severe infections
- Persistent or unexplained fever
- Ongoing fatigue without a clear cause
- Swollen lymph nodes lasting several weeks
- Opportunistic infections (infections that occur mainly when immunity is low)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Slow or poor wound healing
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test supports the diagnosis and monitoring of a range of immune-related conditions:
- HIV infection, including monitoring of CD4 T-cell count and disease progression
- Primary immunodeficiency disorders, including Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), a rare inherited condition where the immune system does not develop properly
- Immune status following organ or bone marrow transplantation
- Immune recovery after haematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cell transplantation
- Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus that affect lymphocyte populations
- Tuberculosis and other bacterial infections that alter immune cell counts
- Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) and other lymphoproliferative disorders
- Chronic fatigue syndrome and protein-losing enteropathy (a condition where protein leaks from the gut)
Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test is used regularly to track immune health in people living with chronic conditions. For people with HIV, health guidelines recommend monitoring CD4 T-cell levels every three to six months. The test is also used for ongoing monitoring after transplantation and for assessing response to immunosuppressive therapies over time.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but a few steps will help ensure an accurate result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test. You may eat and drink as usual before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Follow these steps to get the most accurate result from your test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, and immunosuppressants, as these can affect results
- If you are having serial tests over time, try to schedule each collection at the same time of day to reduce natural fluctuations in cell counts
- Avoid strenuous physical activity immediately before the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Two sample types are collected for this test: peripheral blood and bone marrow. Here is what to expect for each.
Peripheral Blood Collection
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin at the inner elbow with an antiseptic solution.
- A small blood sample (3 ml) is drawn into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The tube is gently inverted several times immediately after collection to preserve the cells.
- The sample is labelled and kept refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C for transport.
Bone Marrow Collection
- A doctor will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area, usually near the hip bone.
- A needle is used to draw a small bone marrow sample (3 ml) into a sodium heparin (green-top) tube.
- The procedure is performed in a clinical setting and takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Both samples are dispatched together to the laboratory for flow cytometry analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence your Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test results:
- Time of day of sample collection (lymphocyte counts naturally rise through the day)
- Seasonal variation (counts may be lower in summer and in the morning)
- Corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressant medications
- Concurrent infections or recent illness
- Psychological or physical stress
- Certain blood conditions, such as very high bilirubin, high triglyceride levels, or abnormal red cell counts
Understanding Your Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test Results
Your results will show the count and percentage for each lymphocyte subset. A doctor will review these figures alongside your clinical history to reach any conclusions.
| Parameter | Normal Range (Adults) | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| CD3+ T cells | 55 to 84% / 700 to 2,500 | cells/μL |
| CD3+CD4+ Helper T cells | 31 to 58% / 400 to 1,500 | cells/μL |
| CD3+CD8+ Cytotoxic T cells | 12 to 42% / 200 to 1,200 | cells/μL |
| CD4:CD8 Ratio | 0.9 to 3.6 | ratio |
| CD19+ B cells | 6 to 23% / 100 to 650 | cells/μL |
| CD16+CD56+ NK cells | 3 to 28% / 60 to 760 | cells/μL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain physiological and medical conditions can affect the interpretation of results:
- CD4 T-cell counts are naturally lower in the morning and during summer months compared to evening and winter readings.
- Untreated co-infections such as hepatitis C or tuberculosis-related conditions can contribute to low CD4 counts independent of any primary diagnosis.
- Elevated levels of certain substances in the blood, including very high bilirubin, high triglycerides, or excess red blood cells, can interfere with the flow cytometry assay and affect result accuracy.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips support a healthy immune system:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate vitamins C, D, and zinc to support immune cell production.
- Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night, as immune cells circulate and recover during rest.
- Manage ongoing stress through regular light exercise, breathing techniques, or other relaxation methods, since chronic stress is associated with reduced immune cell activity.
Lupin Diagnostics Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test Price
The Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹5,600. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available due to the specialised sample handling and processing requirements.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 5600 |
| CHENNAI | 5600 |
| HYDERABAD | 5600 |
| KOLKATA | 5600 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 5600 |
| PUNE | 5600 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test assesses the cellular composition of your immune system. It is most commonly ordered for monitoring HIV, investigating suspected immunodeficiency conditions, and tracking immune recovery after transplantation or immunosuppressive treatment.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Your doctor may give specific instructions based on your overall condition, so follow their advice if it differs.
Lymphocyte counts, particularly CD4 T-cell levels, fluctuate naturally throughout the day due to the body's internal clock. For patients having serial tests over time, collecting samples at the same time of day each visit helps ensure that results are directly comparable.
Yes. Corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, and other immunosuppressants can significantly alter lymphocyte counts. Monoclonal antibody therapies may also interfere with the test. Tell your doctor about all medications you take before the test.
The Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK, by Flowcytometry Test procedure, involves analysing very specific immune cell populations. The laboratory requires your clinical history to accurately contextualise results, as many factors, including infections, medications, and underlying conditions, influence normal values.
Results for this test are typically available within three days of sample collection. Lupin Diagnostics will send your report digitally once it is ready.
No. Home collection is not available for the Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test. Both peripheral blood and bone marrow samples require collection at a Lupin Diagnostics centre by trained professionals and must be processed promptly at a laboratory equipped with flow cytometry.
Lymphocyte Enumeration TBNK by Flow Cytometry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
