The article will talk about T-cell count, their count purpose, and procedures
The defence mechanism of our body is the immune system. It fights against infections, diseases, and foreign bodies. T-cells are a part of this immune system. They develop in the bone marrow.
T-cells primarily protect the body against any foreign antigen attacking our body’s cells. T in it stands for thymocyte.
TC understanding is important for determining the cause of symptoms signifying the risk of certain chronic diseases or infections.
What is the T-Cell Count?
T-cell count is conducted through a routine blood test as a Complete Blood Count (CBC). T-cell, a lymphocyte type, helps fight infections. If its levels are in excess or reduced, they indicate active or undiagnosed disease presence.
B-cells directly attack the bacterial infection and destroy them, whereas, T-cells only support our immune function and help optimise overall immunity.
When Does One Need a T-Cell Count?
T-cell count helps with making an appropriate diagnosis of any ongoing complication. Its result also helps diagnosis of certain severe conditions including autoimmune disorders, etc.
Below given are some symptoms that tell you should get the test:
- Recurrent infections
- Severe infections that shouldn’t reach such extreme levels
- Reduced recovery capacity
- Patients who are not responding to treatments
- Recurring fungal
- Parasitic infections.
How is the T-Cell Count Done?
This test is a part of regular screening, as a CBC profiling part.
There are no specific restrictions to this test. Some drugs can interfere with its results. So, you should inform your healthcare center about any medications that you are taking before your test.
Some medications/drugs that can interfere with your T-cell count can be:
- Anti-rejection drugs (immunosuppressants).
- Chemotherapy drugs,
- Radiation therapy,
- Corticosteroids,
Some other factors can also interfere including
- Recent surgical experience
- High levels of chronic stress0
Procedure of the T-Cell Count Test
- Your phlebotomist first prepares your arm. He cleans your skin with rubbing alcohol. This reduces the risk of developing infections later.
- Then elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm.
- A sterile needle is used to insert into your vein. It helps draw your blood sample.
- Once blood sample is collected. Blood is transferred into a test tube. It is then sent to the lab for further evaluation.
- A band-aid is then placed on the injection site, it reduces infection risk.
Interpreting the T-Cell Count Results
The normal range of T-cell is between 500 and 1,600 T cells/mm3..
|
Level of T-cell Count |
Range |
What it means? |
|
Low T-cell count |
Lower than 500 T-cells/mm3 |
-Aging - Viral infection -Congenital complications -Immunodeficiency disorder -Radiation exposure -Cancer -HIV or AIDS |
|
High T-cells count |
Higher than 1,600 T-cells/mm3 |
-Multiple myeloma -Infectious mononucleosis -Genetic disorders -Acute lymphocytic leukaemia |
Depending on your test results, you might be prescribed with further testing or with treatment regimen to correct any complications or disease.
FAQs
What is the normal range of TC and DC?
Both of the TC and DC (Total Leukocyte count and Differential Leukocyte count) come under CBC analysis. Normal range liesbetween 4000 - 11000 cells/ cumm.
What are TC DC and ESR?
The DC, TC and ESR analyze your blood’s differential and total leukocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The tests help assess your general health
What is the normal T-cell value in blood?
The T-cell level should lie between 500 and 1,600 T cells/mm3 in a healthy individual.
