B and T cell screen

Alternative names:

B and T lymphocyte assays; direct immunofluorescence; E rosetti; T and B lymphocyte assays

Normal values:

Values vary from laboratory to laboratory, and depend on testing technique, but typically, T cells comprise 68% to 75% of total lymphocytes and B cells 10% to 20%.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal T and B cell counts suggest possible diseases. Further testing is indicated to confirm any of the suggested diagnosis.

Increased T cell count may suggest:

• infectious mononucleosis
• multiple myeloma
• acute lymphocytic leukemia

Increased B cell count may suggest:

• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• multiple myeloma
• Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia
• DiGeorge syndrome

Decreased T cell count may suggest:

• congenital T-cell deficiency disease
  • Nezelof syndrome
  • DiGeorge syndrome
  • Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

• B cell proliferative disorders
  • acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
  • chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia

Decreased B cell count may suggest:

• acute lymphocytic leukemia
• congenital immunoglobulin deficiency disorders
• acquired immunoglobulin deficiency disorders