Lymphocyte Subset Phenotyping by Flow Cytometry (Peripheral Blood)
This test measures the types and proportions of white blood cells called lymphocytes in your blood, which helps assess immune function and identify potential immune disorders.
["Understanding your immune cell composition can help diagnose or monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or immune deficiencies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90416-9
- Short code
- Lymph subset + B-cell phenotype Pnl Bld
- Synonyms
- Lymph subset + B-cell phenotype Pnl Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test to evaluate your immune system. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, HIV/AIDS, or other immune-related disorders. It may also be used before or after treatments that affect the immune system, such as chemotherapy or organ transplants.
How the Test Works
A small sample of your blood is taken and analyzed using flow cytometry, a technique that uses light to identify and count different types of cells based on their unique surface markers. This helps distinguish between various lymphocyte subsets, such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells.
Sample Collection
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, using a needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but the process is quick and typically done in a doctor’s office or lab.
Preparation and Results
No special preparation is needed for this test. Results are usually available within a few days and can help guide further medical decisions based on your immune health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal lymphocyte subsets can indicate immune system dysfunction, such as an overactive immune response (e.g., autoimmune diseases), an underactive immune response (e.g., HIV/AIDS), or the presence of cancerous cells (e.g., lymphoma or leukemia). Doctors use these findings to tailor treatments and manage chronic conditions effectively.
Short name
Lymphocyte Subset Analysis
Frequently asked questions
What does a lymphocyte subset analysis tell me about my health?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I prepare for this test in any special way?
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