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CD58 (Leukocyte Common Antigen-Related Protein) in Blood Cells

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

This test measures the presence of CD58, a protein found on the surface of certain white blood cells, which plays a role in immune function and cell adhesion.

Quick summary

["CD58 helps regulate immune responses and cell interactions; levels may be assessed in certain blood disorders or immune evaluations."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
17176-9
Short code
CD58
Synonyms
CD58 Cells NFr Bld
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
EDTA (purple-top) anticoagulant tube; ACD (yellow-top) tube is also acceptable for flow cytometry immunophenotyping. Heparinized tubes may be used but are not preferred for lymphocyte subset analysis.
Units
N/A
Ref low
95
Ref high
100
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Flow cytometry (immunofluorescence) using fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies directed against CD58 (LFA-3) surface antigen, analyzed on whole blood leukocyte populations.
CPT
88184 (Flow cytometry, cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear marker, technical component only; first marker); additional markers billed with 88185.
SNOMED
395126002 | Leukocyte surface marker finding (finding) |; CD58 antigen = 117449002
Specimen volume
3-5 mL of whole blood for adults; 1-2 mL for pediatric patients collected in microtainer tubes.
Stability
Specimen should be processed within 24-48 hours of collection when stored at room temperature (18-25°C). Do not refrigerate or freeze whole blood specimens intended for flow cytometry, as this may cause cell clumping and loss of surface antigen expression. If processing is delayed beyond 48 hours, viability and antigen expression may be compromised.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to immune system dysfunction, such as chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain blood disorders. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions affecting white blood cell function or immune checkpoint modulation.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is typically needed. You may have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. If you’re taking blood-thinning medications, let your provider know before the test.

What the Test Results Mean

CD58 levels can vary depending on immune activity, health status, and other factors. Abnormal results may suggest immune dysregulation, but they are not standalone diagnoses. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is less commonly used for routine screening but may be part of investigations for conditions like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), certain lymphoproliferative disorders, or immune checkpoint inhibitor-related adverse effects.

Reference range

CD58 expression is normally present on most nucleated cells of hematopoietic origin including lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, and erythroid precursors. Results are reported as percentage of CD58-positive cells within the gated leukocyte population and/or as absolute count per microliter. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and age; typical adult reference range is approximately 95-100% expression on lymphocytes and monocytes.N/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special patient preparation is required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should be well-hydrated. Inform the laboratory of any recent immunosuppressive therapy, chemotherapy, or monoclonal antibody treatment, as these may alter lymphocyte subset distribution.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CD58 Level

Frequently asked questions

What might cause abnormal CD58 levels?
Low levels of CD58 may be associated with immune deficiencies or conditions affecting white blood cell function, such as certain genetic disorders or chronic immune activation. High levels may rarely indicate immune activation or certain inflammatory states, but further evaluation is needed to confirm.
How often is this test repeated?
If ordered, this test is typically done once as part of a diagnostic evaluation. Repeat testing depends on clinical need, such as monitoring progression of a known condition or response to treatment.
Does this test require fasting?
No fasting is required for this blood test. Results are based on the protein’s presence in your blood cells, not on dietary factors.
  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