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CD3+ T-Cell Receptor Alpha/Beta+ Cells, Number Fraction in Bone Marrow by Flow Cytometry

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A flow-cytometry test that measures the fraction of bone-marrow T cells carrying CD3 and an alpha/beta T-cell receptor.

Quick summary

["This test evaluates the proportion and distribution of mature alpha/beta T cells in bone marrow."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
106943-4
Short code
CD3+TCR A-B+ Cells NFr Mar FC
Synonyms
CD3+TCR A-B+ Cells NFr Mar FC
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
flow-cytometry
CPT
86430
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test uses flow cytometry to measure the fraction of T cells in bone marrow that carry the CD3 marker and an alpha/beta T-cell receptor. It provides information about the presence and distribution of this T-cell population.

Why might I need this test?

It may be used to help evaluate immune-cell development, investigate unusual blood-cell findings, or assess immune status in certain hematologic conditions. It may also support monitoring in selected bone-marrow or transplant-related evaluations.

How is the test performed?

A bone-marrow sample is tested with fluorescently labeled antibodies that identify CD3 and alpha/beta T-cell receptor proteins. A flow cytometer then measures the proportion of cells with this combination of markers.

How do I prepare for the test?

Bone-marrow collection is generally performed by a healthcare professional and may require local anesthesia or sedation. Follow your clinician's instructions about medications, bleeding risk, and activity before or after the procedure.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CD3+ TCR Alpha/Beta T-Cell Fraction, Bone Marrow

Frequently asked questions

Does this test tell me my overall T-cell count?
Not by itself. It measures the fraction of bone-marrow cells with specific T-cell markers; a separate cell count and the other flow-cytometry results are needed to assess the total number and distribution of these cells.
Is bone-marrow testing different from a routine blood test?
Yes. This test requires a bone-marrow sample, which is usually collected in a hospital or outpatient procedural setting. A routine peripheral blood T-cell test is a different procedure.
Can this test diagnose a specific condition?
No single result usually establishes a diagnosis. Your clinician will interpret the fraction in combination with symptoms, the complete flow-cytometry report, blood counts, and other relevant tests.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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