CD4 T-Cell Count with Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) Stimulation (COVID-19 Specific)
This test measures your immune response by checking how your CD4 T-cells react to interferon-gamma when exposed to COVID-19 antigens. It helps assess your immune system’s ability to fight the virus.
["This test evaluates your immune response to COVID-19, focusing on how well your CD4 cells can activate when exposed to the virus."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 100859-8
- Short code
- CD4 IFNg/CD4 p Stim COVID Sp
- Synonyms
- CD4 IFNg/CD4 p Stim COVID Sp
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test involves collecting a blood sample to measure your CD4 T-cell count and their production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) after stimulation with COVID-19 antigens. This helps determine how effectively your immune system can respond to the virus.
Why Is This Test Done?
This test may be used to evaluate your immune response after COVID-19 infection, vaccination, or in cases where you have a weakened immune system. It can help doctors assess whether your immune cells are functioning properly to fight the virus.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is then processed to measure CD4 T-cell activity and IFN-γ production after exposure to COVID-19 antigens. The results are compared to standard immune response benchmarks.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results show whether your CD4 T-cells are activating normally in response to COVID-19. Low or reduced responses may indicate an impaired immune reaction, while normal responses suggest a healthy immune response to the virus.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is particularly useful for individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to HIV, chemotherapy, or other conditions) to monitor their ability to fight COVID-19. It helps guide treatment decisions and assess recovery after infection or vaccination.
Short name
COVID-19 Stimulated IFN-γ CD4 T-Cell Response
Frequently asked questions
What does a low or normal response mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can this test be done at home?
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