CD4 & CD8 Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Normal Range

Introduction to CD4 & CD8 Test

The CD4 & CD 8 by Flowcytometry Test is a specialized blood test that a healthcare provider suggests to measure the CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes in the body. CD4 and CD8 are immune cells that are crucial to defending your body against infections. They are also important to monitor immune system function related to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases, and immune deficiencies. 

Both CD4 cells and CD8 cells have proteins that provide insights into the immune system’s strength and response. CD4 cells have a protein called cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), while CD8 cells have cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8). 

CD4 & CD8 Cells: A Brief Understanding

• CD4 (Helper T Cells)

These helper T cells activate other immune cells; thus, assist in coordinating the immune response. These are white blood cells (WBC), often described as T lymphocytes, or T cells. 

• CD8 (Cytotoxic T Cells)

These cytotoxic T cells destroy virus-infected cells, cancer cells, and foreign invaders. CD8 cells test is done along with CD4 test to support the diagnosis of the body. 

Additionally, the CD4/CD8 ratio is also a part of a flow cytometry test for CD4 and CD8 cells to provide deeper understanding of the immune function and disease progression. 

A healthcare provider may suggest a CD4 & CD 8 test when he finds symptoms suggestive of HIV/AIDS progression such as frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, chronic diarrhea, or symptoms of chronic autoimmune disorders. 

No matter the reason, if your healthcare provider suggests you a CD4 & CD 8 test, get yourself tested immediately from Redcliffe Labs. Early detection can help monitor the progression of HIV infection and assess the immune status, along with other benefits, and thus, reduce complications. 

Test Details:

Purpose of the CD4 & CD8 Test By Flow Cytometry Test

CD4 and CD8 cells play an integral role in the immune response against pathogenic infections and cancer. The test is used for several purposes, including: 

1. Monitors HIV/AIDS progression: The primary purpose of the CD4 & CD8 test is to monitor the progression of CD4 cells in HIVpatients, reducing their count over time. The test is performed to assess the response of the immune system to antiretroviral therapy (ART). 

Additionally, as the HIV progresses, the count of CD 4 cells will decrease compared to CD8 cells and total lymphocytes. 

2. Evaluates immune function in autoimmune diseases: A healthcare provider may also suggest the test to evaluate immune function in autoimmune diseases. Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis can imbalance CD4/CD8. 
3. Assesses primary immunodeficiency disorders: The CD4/CD8 ratio test is also beneficial in telling your doctor how strong the immune system is and helps predict infectious disease risks. It can help diagnose conditions in patients with an inherently weak immune system, such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). 
4. Monitors cancer and post-transplant immunosuppression: The test also helps monitor the immune response in cancer patients suffering from lymphomas, leukemias, and those undergoing organ transplant. 
5. Evaluate infections and chronic diseases: Additionally, viral infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) can lead to a drastic increase in T-cell memory. 

Note: Consult your doctor immediately as you may need the CD4 and CD8 test. Getting tested early is crucial to help your healthcare provider understand the strength of your immune system, especially if you have an HIV infection. 

How can you prepare for the CD4/CD8 Ratio Test?

No specific preparation is required for the CD4 and CD8 test. It is ok to consume your regular meals and drink water before the blood test. 

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, and avoid intense workout, alcohol and non veg before going for the test. This is to prevent hormone fluctuations. 

Note: Do not hesitate to clear your doubts with your healthcare provider before the test to improve the accuracy of test results. 

Procedure for the CD4 and CD8 Test

The procedure for the CD4 and CD8 includes the following steps: 

• For the CD4 and CD8 blood test, a healthcare provider/phlebotomist will insert a needle into a vein of your arm, and draw a small amount of blood. Then, he will apply a cotton gauze at the punctured site to reduce the chances of infection. 
• Then, he will transfer the blood into a vial and label it. 
• Lastly, he will submit your blood sample to the lab for analysis. 

Note: Like any other blood test, a CD4/CD8 ratio test can cause slight sting or pain due to needle insertion. These symptoms will go away in 2-3 days. If you develop too much bleeding or infection at the injection site, contact your doctor immediately and get the best medical assistance possible 

What do the CD4 and CD8 test results mean?

The normal reference range for a CD4 and CD8 test varies depending on lab to lab. The CD4 and CD8 test results are presented as absolute counts and percentage of CD4 and CD8 cells. 

• Normal range for CD4 cells count: 500-1500 cell/uL
• Normal range for CD8 cells count: 200-800 cells/uL. 
• Additionally, if CD4/CD8 Ratio: 1.0 – 3.5 is also considered normal. 

Low CD4 : CD8 Ratio

If CD4: CD8 ratio is less than 1.0 indicates low CD4 count, meaning HIV has weakened your immune system. After an HIV infection, your CD4 count may drop by approximately 30%, while your CD8 count may rise by about 40%. Advanced HIV/AIDS may also cause severe immune suppression due to targeted therapies such as chemotherapy, prolonged infections, or autoimmune diseases. 

Additionally, anemia, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, or certain other nervous system conditions can cause a decrease in CD4: CD8 ratio. 

High CD4: CD8 Ratio

A high CD8 count may be due to the following conditions: 

1. Chronic or acute viral infections: An elevated CD8 cell count increases the risk of HIV treatment failure if you have initially achieved an undetectable viral load such as HIV/AIDS, cytomegalovirus (CMV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and Covid-19. 

2. Immune activation & autoimmune disorders: Prolonged immune activation occurs due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), resulting in increased CD8 levels. 

Additionally, graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is usually seen if you had organ transplantation. 

3. Certain types of cancers like T-cell lymphomas, or Sezary syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and solid tumors like melanoma or lung cancer can result in an increased CD8 count. 

Some vector -based vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza can bring a temporary increase in CD8 counts due to immune system activation. Stress and lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking can also cause CD8 levels due to persistent low grade inflammation. 

4. Additionally, if CD4/CD8 ratio is more than 3.5, which may indicate autoimmune conditions multiple sclerosis. 

Note: Consult your CD4 and CD8 test report with your healthcare provider to understand the meaning of your specific test results. If needed, he will make necessary modifications in treatment strategies and may also suggest additional tests, including immune panel testing, and specific viral or cancer screenings to evaluate significantly high CD8 levels. 

After effects of high CD8 count

Having a high CD8 count may increase the risk for:

• Long-term inflammation
• Cardiovascular disease
• Kidney disease
• Lung disease
• Diabetes or other metabolic conditions
• Some types of cancer

What Are Risk Factors Affecting CD4 and CD8 levels?

Risk factors that are affecting CD4 and CD8 levels: 

1. HIV/AIDS: The HIV infection is linked to progressive loss of CD4 cells. 
2. Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) can alter CD4/CD8 ratio.
3. Chronic Infections such as Tuberculosis (TB), CMV, and hepatitis can affect T-cell dynamics. 
4. Cancers,especially, blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma can affect CD4 and CD8 levels. Both play an integral role in immune response against pathogens that cause cancer. 
5. Immunosuppressive medications such as chemotherapy and corticosteroids can also affect T cell activity
6. Additionally, organ transplantation, malnutrition, and stress can cause temporary changes in immune cell levels.

CD4 and CD8 test Price - Redcliffe Labs! 

CD 4 & CD8 test by flow cytometry is a valuable tool for assessing immune health, particularly in HIV/AIDS, autoimmune conditions, and immune-related disorders. 

Redcliffe Labs offers an affordable CD4 and CD8 test price of INR 1800. Call directly or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a test online. The reports are typically available in 48 hours.

CD4 & CD8 Test Cost in Different Cities

Note: We also offer CD4 & CD8 Test PAN India. Please call on the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Step-by-step information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.

Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.