Natural Killer Cell Activity Test: NK Cell Function Assay
This assay evaluates the functional capacity of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells mediate killing of virally infected cells and tumor cells. Decreased natural killer cell function has been observed in patients with recurrent viral infections and cancer patients.
ProcedurePBMCs are isolated from whole blood. Isolated PBMCs are mixed at various ratios with fluorescently labeled K562 target cells. Following an incubation period, the percent lysed K562 cells at each concentration are determined by flow cytometry.
2-3 business days from receipt of specimen
| Specimen Type | Test Code | CPT Code | NY Approved | Volume | Assay Range | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| whole blood | 30035 | 88184, 88185 | Yes | 12 mL |
16.1 – 51.2 LU10 |
|
The LU10 value is the number of lytic sets contained within a population of 10 million lymphocytes. One lytic set is the number of lymphocytes required to lyse 10 percent of target cells. The reference range is 16.1 – 51.2 LU10. The reference interval is the central 95th percentile of range from a healthy adult population.
ShippingShip on cold packs, priority overnight
Causes for RejectionSpecimen greater than 23 hours old, tubes less than half full, hemolyzed samples, samples received ambient, anticoagulant other than ACD
Specimens are approved for testing in New York only when indicated in the Specimen Information field above.
The CPT codes provided are based on Eurofins Viracor's interpretation of the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and are provided for general informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Questions regarding coding should be addressed to your local Medicare carrier. Eurofins Viracor assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes illustrated in this material.
References1. Orange JS. Human natural killer cell deficiencies. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Dec;6(6):399-409.
2. Waldhauer I, Steinle A. NK cells and cancer immunosurveillance. Oncogene. 2008 Oct 6;27(45):5932-43.
3. Strowig T, Brilot F, Münz C. Noncytotoxic Functions of NK Cells: Direct Pathogen Restriction and Assistance to Adaptive Immunity. J Immunol. 2008 Jun 15;180(12):7785-91.
4. Cheent K, Khakoo Sl. Natural killer cells: integrating diversity with function. Immunology. 2009 Apr;126(4):449-57.
5. Etzioni A, Eidenschenk C, Katz R, et al. Fatal varicella associated with selective natural killer cell deficiency. J Pediatri. 2005 Mar;146(3):423-5.
6. Beano A, Signorino E, Evangelista A, et al. Correlation between NK function and response to trastuzumab in metastatic breast cancer patients. J Transl Med. 2008 May 16;6-25.