Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T-cell count in fluid (e.g., pleural effusion, ascites)
This test measures the number of CD8+ T-cells—an important type of immune cell—found in a sample of body fluid, such as fluid collected from around the lungs (pleural effusion) or abdomen (ascites). These cells play a key role in fighting cancer.
["Assesses immune cell activity in fluid samples for cancer monitoring or diagnosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60578-2
- Short code
- TCRG gene Rear Fld Ql
- Synonyms
- TCRG gene Rear Fld Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 86430
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have a condition involving abnormal fluid buildup, such as pleural effusion or ascites, and suspect cancer. It helps evaluate whether cancer cells are present and how the immune system is responding in that fluid.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. The fluid sample may be collected through a procedure like a thoracentesis (for pleural fluid) or paracentesis (for abdominal fluid). You may experience mild discomfort, but it’s usually brief.
What the Test Results Mean
Results show the count of CD8+ T-cells in the fluid sample. Higher counts may indicate an active immune response, while very low counts could suggest immune suppression or cancer presence. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Common Uses and Conditions
This test is often used in oncology to monitor treatment response, assess cancer spread, or evaluate immune activity in fluid collections. It may also help guide decisions about further cancer therapies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Elevated CD8+ T-cell counts in body fluids can signal an immune response to cancer, potentially indicating early tumor detection or a positive response to treatment. Low counts may suggest cancer progression, immune dysfunction, or other underlying conditions requiring further investigation.
Short name
CD8+ T-cell count in body fluid
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low CD8+ T-cell count in fluid mean?
Does this test require fasting?
How long will it take to get results?
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