Name of the Procedure:

T Cells; Total Count
Common Name(s): T-cell count, Total T-lymphocyte count
Technical Term: Total T-cell enumeration

Summary

A T-cell count measures the number of T-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell vital for the immune system) in a blood sample. This test helps assess the health of a person's immune system, especially in conditions like HIV/AIDS, where T-cell levels are crucial indicators of immune function.

Purpose

The T-cell count is used to:

• Monitor immune system health, particularly in patients with HIV/AIDS.
• Help diagnose and manage certain immune system disorders and cancers.

• Track the effectiveness of treatments affecting the immune system.

  Indications

• Suspected or diagnosed HIV/AIDS.
• Chronic infections suggesting immune system dysfunction.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, which may affect immune function.

Preparation

• No fasting required.
• Inform the healthcare provider about any medications or supplements being taken.
• Diagnostic tests like complete blood count (CBC) or additional immune function tests may be ordered.

Procedure Description

1. Blood Sample Collection:
   • A healthcare provider will clean the skin area, usually inside the elbow.
   • A needle is inserted into a vein to draw the blood sample.
2. Laboratory Analysis:
   • The blood sample is sent to a lab.
   • Using flow cytometry, the number and types of T-cells (CD4 and CD8 cells) are counted.

Duration

• Blood draw: typically 5-10 minutes.
• Lab analysis: a few hours to a few days, depending on the lab.

Setting

• Performed in laboratories, clinics, hospitals, or outpatient facilities.

Personnel

• Performed by phlebotomists, nurses, or medical technologists.
• A laboratory technician or technologist analyzes the sample.

Risks and Complications

• Minor bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
• Rare risk of infection or fainting during blood draw.

Benefits

• Provides essential information on immune system health.
• Helps guide treatment for conditions like HIV/AIDS and immune disorders.
• Early detection and management of potential immune system issues.

Recovery

• Minimal to no recovery time needed.
• Keep the bandage on the puncture site for a few hours.
• Follow any specific post-procedure instructions given by the healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• Detailed immune function tests.
• Alternative methods to assess immune health, like a complete blood count (CBC), although they may not provide as detailed information on T-cells.
• Pros: Simplicity and quick results of T-cell count.
• Cons: Alternative tests might offer broader information about overall immune function but may lack specificity.

Patient Experience

• During: Slight discomfort or sting when the needle is inserted.
• After: Minor soreness or bruising at the puncture site.
• Pain management: Usually minimal discomfort requiring no specific pain management; applying a cool compress can help with soreness.