B-cell Lymphocyte Count (Absolute Count)
This test measures the number of B-cells, a type of white blood cell important for producing antibodies that help fight infections and diseases like cancer.
["Knowing your B-cell count helps doctors monitor immune function and detect conditions affecting these cells."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40884-9
- Short code
- CD19CD103
- Synonyms
- CD19+CD103+ Cells NFr Tiss
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile 15 mL or 50 mL conical polypropylene tube containing transport medium (RPMI 1640 with heparin or saline); avoid EDTA tubes for tissue specimens intended for flow cytometry when possible.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry (immunophenotyping) with multi-color antibody panel targeting CD19 and CD103 surface markers, typically performed on fresh or frozen tissue-derived cell suspensions using fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies and analyzed on a clinical flow cytometer.
- CPT
- 88184 (Flow cytometry, cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear marker, technical component only; first marker) + 88185 (each additional marker)
- SNOMED
- 1017504007 |Measurement of CD19-positive, CD103-positive cell number in tissue specimen (procedure)|
- Specimen volume
- Tissue specimen: minimum 0.5 cm³ fresh tissue (approximately 5-10 mm in greatest dimension); cell suspension: minimum 1-2 mL at concentration of 1×10⁶ cells/mL.
- Stability
- Fresh tissue should be processed within 24 hours when stored at 2-8°C. Cell suspensions may be held up to 48 hours at 2-8°C in appropriate medium. If delays exceed 24 hours, consider cryopreservation in DMSO-containing media. Viability should be assessed prior to analysis (target ≥80%).
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order a B-cell count to check for immune system disorders, such as autoimmune diseases, infections, or certain cancers like lymphoma or leukemia. It can also help evaluate responses to treatments for these conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood draw, usually from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. The process is quick and typically painless.
How the Test Results Are Interpreted
Results are compared to a general reference range for healthy adults. Very high or very low counts may indicate underlying health issues that need further medical evaluation.
Common Conditions Affecting B-Cell Counts
Conditions like chronic infections, certain cancers, or immune disorders can lead to either an increase or decrease in B-cells. For example, B-cell lymphoma might cause unusually high counts, while severe infections or immune deficiencies may show low counts.
Reference range
Reference ranges for CD19+CD103+ cells in tissue are laboratory- and tissue-specific. In normal lymphoid tissues, CD19+CD103+ B-cells are typically present at very low frequency (<1-2% of total B-cells). Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical context, tissue type, and concurrent immunophenotypic findings. No universally standardized reference range exists for tissue-based assays.N/A
No specific patient preparation is required for the donor/patient. However, tissue specimen handling is critical: tissue should be delivered to the laboratory in RPMI 1640 or saline immediately upon collection, processed within 24 hours when possible, and maintained at 2-8°C to preserve cell viability and surface antigen integrity. Avoid formalin fixation prior to flow cytometry analysis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: B-Cell Counts Play a Key Role in Diagnosing and Managing Immune-Related Disorders
Short name
B-Cell Count
Frequently asked questions
What Are the Normal Values for This Test?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Can I Influence My B-Cell Count?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy