Absolute Count of CD3+ Lymphocytes in Peripheral Blood
This test measures the number of CD3+ cells, a type of white blood cell important for immune function, found in your blood.
["CD3+ lymphocytes help your immune system fight infections and recognize foreign substances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 107038-2
- Short code
- BMCD3FC
- Synonyms
- CD3 Cells/lymph NFr Mar FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Bone marrow aspirate collected in sodium heparin or EDTA anticoagulant tube; sterile collection required. Transport in dedicated flow cytometry tubes.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 60
- Ref high
- 85
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 88184
- SNOMED
- 395124002
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of bone marrow aspirate in anticoagulant; minimum 1 mL required for flow cytometric analysis.
- Stability
- Specimen should be processed within 24-48 hours of collection when stored at room temperature (18-25°C). Do not refrigerate. Viability and marker expression decrease with prolonged storage.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–48 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate your immune system, check for immune disorders, or monitor conditions like HIV, lymphoma, or other blood-related diseases. It can also help assess how well your immune response is working after treatments like chemotherapy or organ transplants.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know—they can help make it more comfortable.
What the Results Mean
Results show the absolute number of CD3+ lymphocytes per microliter of blood. Lower than expected counts may indicate immune deficiencies or diseases affecting white blood cells, while higher counts could be seen in certain infections or inflammatory conditions. Your results will be interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your overall health and medical history.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor conditions like HIV/AIDS, where CD3+ lymphocyte counts are critical for tracking immune health. It may also be part of evaluations for autoimmune diseases, certain cancers (such as leukemia or lymphoma), or after immune-suppressing treatments.
Reference range
CD3+ T cells typically represent 60-85% of total lymphocytes in bone marrow. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory; results should be interpreted alongside complete bone marrow differential and clinical context.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Bone marrow aspiration is performed by a qualified physician under local anesthesia. Patients on anticoagulants should inform their physician prior to the procedure. Recent immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive therapy may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CD3+ lymphocytes are a key part of your adaptive immune system. Low counts may signal weakened immunity, increased risk of infections, or underlying disorders like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). High counts could suggest chronic infections, certain cancers, or overactive immune responses. Your provider will use these results alongside other tests and symptoms to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Short name
CD3+ Lymphocyte Count
Frequently asked questions
What does a low CD3+ lymphocyte count mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or lifestyle affect CD3+ lymphocyte counts?
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