Lymphocyte Proliferation Assay (Stimulated Blood Culture)
This test measures how your immune system’s white blood cells (lymphocytes) respond to stimulation, often used to assess immune function or detect conditions like HIV or autoimmune diseases.
["This test helps evaluate how well your immune cells can grow and multiply in response to signals from your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53810-8
- Short code
- Lymphocyte prolif Bld-Imp
- Synonyms
- Lymphocyte prolif Bld-Imp
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test to check if your immune system is working properly. It can be used to monitor conditions like HIV, autoimmune diseases, or to evaluate immune responses before or after treatments like chemotherapy or organ transplants.
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is then mixed with specific stimulants (like phytohemagglutinin) and cultured for several days. Afterward, the test measures how much the lymphocytes have grown and multiplied.
Preparation for the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or supplements that could affect immune function before the test.
Sample Collection and Processing
The blood sample is processed to isolate lymphocytes and exposed to stimulants. The test looks at cell growth and division over time, often measured by techniques like cell counting or radioactive labeling.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lymphocyte Proliferation Test
Frequently asked questions
A low lymphocyte proliferation response may indicate weakened immune function, often seen in HIV infection, severe autoimmune diseases, or malnutrition. A normal or high response suggests a healthy immune reaction. This test can help guide treatment decisions, especially in managing immune-related conditions.
A low response may suggest your immune system is not functioning as expected, which could be due to conditions like HIV, advanced autoimmune diseases, or certain medications that suppress immune activity. Your doctor will discuss this with you in detail.
A normal or high response typically means your immune cells are responding appropriately to stimulation, which is a good sign of a healthy immune system. However, this test alone doesn’t diagnose a specific condition—it’s often used alongside other tests.
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