CD8 T Cell Count

Cytotoxic (CD8) T Cell Count

What's

CD8 T Cell Count

The Cytotoxic (CD8) T Cell Count, often simply referred to as the CD8 T Cell Count, is a measure of a specific type of white blood cell in your body. These cells, known as CD8 T cells, are like the special forces of your immune system. They play a crucial role in your body's defense against infections and diseases, including viruses and cancer. CD8 T cells are called 'cytotoxic' because they have the ability to kill infected or damaged cells in your body. They do this by recognizing and binding to these harmful cells, and then releasing substances that destroy them. This count gives us an idea of how many of these important 'soldiers' you have in your bloodstream, ready to protect your body from harm.

If Your Levels Are High

A high Cytotoxic (CD8) T Cell Count suggests that your body's immune system is in overdrive, actively fighting off an infection or disease. This could be due to a viral infection like HIV or Hepatitis C, as these viruses specifically target and multiply within these cells, causing their numbers to increase. Certain medications, like immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, can also cause a high CD8 T cell count as they affect the immune system's function. Lastly, stress or autoimmune disorders, where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells, can also result in a high count.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Cytotoxic (CD8) T Cell Count could vary widely depending on the underlying cause. They may include fatigue, fever, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, or swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms.

If Your Levels are Low

A low Cytotoxic (CD8) T Cell Count means there are fewer of these 'soldier' cells in your body to fight off infections and diseases. This could be due to a variety of reasons. For instance, you might be dealing with an immune system disorder, such as HIV/AIDS, which directly impacts CD8 T cell production. Alternatively, you might be undergoing chemotherapy or taking certain medications like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, which can also lower your CD8 T cell count. Stress and poor nutrition can also negatively affect your CD8 T cell count. Essentially, a low count could mean your body is less equipped to defend itself against threats, making you more susceptible to infections and diseases.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Cytotoxic (CD8) T Cell Count could include frequent infections, prolonged recovery from illnesses, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. However, it's important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with many other health conditions.

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See References

Test for

Cytotoxic (CD8) T Cell Count

Lymphocyte MAP by Cyrex Laboratories

Whole Blood

The Lymphocyte MAP™ is an innovative new test that establishes a new standard in screening the immune system. It measures the integrity of the immune system at the cellular level to help identify a patient’s immune status and immunotype(s), based on 28 key biomarkers and determinants.

Add-On Lymphocyte MAP by Cyrex Laboratories

Whole Blood

CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile by Access Med Labs

Whole Blood

The CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile measures the percentage and absolute counts of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, along with their ratio. This test is valuable for assessing and monitoring immune system function, as changes in these cell counts and ratios can indicate alterations in immune status.

CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile by Access Labcorp Draw

Whole Blood

Lymphocyte Subset Panel 2 by Access Med Labs

Whole Blood

The Lymphocyte Subset Panel 2 test is a comprehensive panel useful for assessing the patient's immune system functionality and aiding in the diagnosis and management of immunological disorders.

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What is it?

High Levels

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