Cellular function assay involving stimulation (eg, mitogen or antigen) and detection of biomarker (eg, ATP)
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Cellular Function Assay Involving Stimulation and Detection of Biomarker
Common Name: Cellular Function Assay
Technical Term: Cellular Biomarker Detection after Stimulation
Summary
This procedure evaluates how well immune cells are functioning by stimulating them with a specific substance and measuring a particular biomarker, such as ATP.
Purpose
It helps diagnose how well the immune system responds to certain triggers. The goal is to assess immune function and detect abnormalities in cellular activity.
Indications
- Symptoms such as recurrent infections
- Diagnosed immune deficiencies
- Chronic fatigue
- Monitoring immune response for certain treatments like immunotherapy
- Determining immune activation in autoimmune diseases
Preparation
- No fasting typically required.
- Patients should inform their doctor of any medications they are taking.
- Blood tests might be conducted beforehand to check overall health status.
Procedure Description
- Blood or cell sample is collected from the patient.
- Cells are isolated from the blood sample.
- The isolated cells are exposed to a stimulant, such as a mitogen or antigen.
- After stimulation, the level of a biomarker like ATP in the cells is measured.
- The data is analyzed to understand the function of the immune cells.
Tools/Equipment:
- Centrifuge
- Flow cytometer or luminometer
- Cell culture mediums
- Specific stimulants (mitogens or antigens)
Anesthesia: Not applicable as this is a laboratory-based test.
Duration
Typically takes several hours from sample collection to analysis.
Setting
- Outpatient clinic for sample collection
- Diagnostic laboratory for assay execution
Personnel
- Phlebotomist or nurse for sample collection
- Laboratory technologist/scientist for the cell assay
Risks and Complications
- Minor complications related to blood draw like bruising or infection
- Rarely, adverse reactions to the stimulant may occur if the procedure involves known allergens
Benefits
- Provides insight into the immune system functionality
- Helps diagnose immune system disorders
- Assists in tailoring specific treatments for immunodeficiencies or autoimmune diseases
- Results typically available within a few days to a week
Recovery
- No significant recovery needed.
- Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the sample collection.
Alternatives
- Other immune function tests like flow cytometry for different cellular markers.
- Genetic testing for specific immune-related mutations.
- Pros: Alternatives might offer broader insights.
- Cons: May be more invasive or costly.
Patient Experience
- Experience during procedure: Minimal discomfort from blood draw.
- Post-procedure: No side effects expected; patients can go about their day normally.
- Pain management: Not typically needed beyond basic comfort measures during blood draw.