Cytospin Cell Count: CD2+ Cells (Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood)
This test measures the number of CD2-positive cells in a sample of bone marrow or blood. CD2 is a protein found on certain immune cells, including T cells and some natural killer cells.
["Assessing immune cell populations can help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting the immune system."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32526-6
- Short code
- CD2BM
- Synonyms
- CD2 Cells # Mar
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Bone marrow aspirate collected in heparinized tube or EDTA tube for flow cytometry; sterile RPMI transport medium preferred for viability preservation
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 40
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry using fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies against CD2 surface marker, with absolute count enumeration using counting beads or dual-platform analysis
- CPT
- 88184
- SNOMED
- 395124004
- Specimen volume
- 1-3 mL of bone marrow aspirate; first-pull sample preferred to minimize peripheral blood contamination
- Stability
- Specimen must be processed within 24 hours of collection when stored at room temperature (18-25°C); do not refrigerate as this may affect cell viability and marker expression
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is CD2+ Cell Count Used For?
CD2+ cells are part of the immune system and play roles in cell signaling and immune responses. This test may be used to evaluate immune function, identify immune deficiencies, or monitor conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, or other hematologic disorders. It can also help guide treatment decisions in patients undergoing immunotherapy or bone marrow transplantation.
How Is the Sample Collected?
For bone marrow samples, a small amount of fluid is taken from your hipbone during a procedure called a bone marrow aspiration. For blood samples, a small vein in your arm is accessed with a needle. The collected cells are then prepared and examined under a microscope to count the CD2+ cells.
What Does a Result Mean?
Results are typically reported as a count of CD2+ cells per microliter (µL) or per million cells. While specific reference ranges can vary by lab, abnormal counts may indicate immune system issues, such as low or high levels of these cells, which could signal underlying health problems.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test may be used in patients with suspected immune disorders, such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), certain types of leukemia, or autoimmune diseases. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for patients receiving stem cell transplants or undergoing treatments that affect immune cells.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by laboratory; CD2+ T-cells in bone marrow typically comprise 20-40% of nucleated cells in normal marrow. Absolute counts should be interpreted alongside peripheral blood findings and clinical context.N/A
No special preparation required. Inform physician of all medications, particularly recent corticosteroid or chemotherapy use which may affect lymphocyte counts. Bone marrow aspiration should be performed by trained personnel using sterile technique.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: CD2+ Cells and Immune Health
Short name
CD2+ Cell Count
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
What are the typical reference ranges?
How soon will I get my results?
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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy