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T-Cell Lymphocyte Count (Absolute)

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

This test measures the number of T-cells, a type of white blood cell important for immune function, in your blood.

Quick summary

["T-cells help fight infections and regulate other immune responses; low levels may indicate immune issues or disease."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
104242-3
Short code
T cell lymphoma Bld/T
Synonyms
T cell lymphoma Bld/T
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
molgen
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

Your doctor may order this test to evaluate your immune system, diagnose conditions like HIV, lymphoma, or autoimmune diseases, or monitor treatment effectiveness for cancers or infections. It’s often part of a full blood count (CBC) or immune panel.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm), and blood will be drawn. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the test.

What the Results Mean

Results are reported as a count of T-cells per microliter (µL) of blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, very low counts (below normal) may signal immune deficiencies, while very high counts could indicate overactive immune responses or certain infections.

Common Conditions Affecting T-Cell Counts

Low T-cell counts can occur with HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, bone marrow disorders, or severe infections. High counts may be linked to chronic infections, certain cancers (e.g., leukemia), or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

T-Cell Count

Frequently asked questions

What does a low T-cell count mean?
A low T-cell count may indicate an impaired immune system, which can increase your risk of infections. It could be due to conditions like HIV, certain cancers, or treatments that weaken the immune response, such as chemotherapy or steroids.
What does a high T-cell count mean?
High T-cell counts can signal chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis), certain cancers (e.g., T-cell lymphoma), or autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks the body. Always discuss results with your doctor.
Can diet or supplements affect T-cell counts?
Dietary changes or supplements alone won’t directly alter T-cell counts, but they can support overall immune health. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins (e.g., vitamin D, B12), lean proteins, and antioxidants. Avoid excessive alcohol or smoking, as they may weaken immune function.
  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