CD4 Cell Count

T-Helper (CD4) Cell Count

What's

CD4 Cell Count

The T-Helper (CD4) Cell Count is a test that measures the number of T-Helper cells, also known as CD4 cells, in your body. These cells are a type of white blood cell that play a vital role in your immune system. They act like your body's 'defense generals', leading the charge against infections and diseases. They coordinate with other cells to fight off harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. This count gives your healthcare provider a snapshot of how strong or weak your immune system is. It's like a 'health check' for your immune system, helping your doctor understand how well your body can fight off infections.

If Your Levels Are High

A high T-helper (CD4) cell count indicates an increased number of these specific white blood cells in your body. This could be a response to an infection, as these cells play a crucial role in the immune system by helping other cells fight off infections. However, it could also be due to certain medications, such as Interleukin-2 (IL-2) or drugs that boost the immune system. In some cases, a high CD4 count could be a sign of a condition called lymphocytosis, which is characterized by an excess of lymphocytes in the blood. This condition can be caused by various factors, including chronic infections like HIV and autoimmune diseases. It's important to note that a high CD4 count is not always a cause for concern, as it can also be a sign of a healthy, functioning immune system.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of T-helper (CD4) cells could include fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. However, these symptoms are not specific and could be associated with many other conditions. In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms at all.

If Your Levels are Low

A low T-helper (CD4) cell count indicates a weakened immune system, which may be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause is HIV/AIDS, as the virus specifically targets and destroys these cells. Certain medications, like chemotherapy drugs or corticosteroids, can also lower CD4 cell counts. Additionally, conditions like malnutrition or stress can negatively impact the immune system, leading to a lower CD4 count. It's important to note that a single low reading doesn't necessarily indicate a problem, as levels can fluctuate throughout the day and in response to infections or illnesses.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of T-Helper (CD4) Cell Count could include frequent infections, prolonged recovery from illnesses, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. However, it's important to note that many people with low CD4 counts may not experience any symptoms at all.

See References

Test for

T-Helper (CD4) Cell Count

Lymphocyte MAP by Cyrex Laboratories

Whole Blood

Measures the integrity of the immune system at the cellular level to help identify a patient’s immune status and immunotype(s), based on 28 key biomarkers and determinants. The Lymphocyte MAP™ is an innovative new test that establishes a new standard in screening the immune system. As the best measurement of immune health, it classifies different lymphocytes beyond the ordinary testing of lymphocyte subpopulations. It includes not only T and B cells and CD4/CD8 ratios, but also the very important Th1, Th2, Treg (regulatory T cells), and Th17 cells and their ratios, as well as a variety of natural killer (NK) cells such as CD56+, CD16+, CD56+ D16+, CD57+, CD57+CD8+, CD57+CD16+ (known as the superkillers), and the immunoregulatory NKT cells. Detects overall immune health of individuals and disorders associated with infections, cancers, allergies/hypersensitivities, mast cell activation, and autoimmunities. Developed and published by Aristo Vojdani, PhD, MSc, CLS, known as the father of functional immunology, in 2004, 2006, 2011, and 2024.

Add-On Lymphocyte MAP by Cyrex Laboratories

Whole Blood

CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile by Access Med Labs

Whole Blood

The CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile measures the percentage and absolute counts of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, along with their ratio. This test is valuable for assessing and monitoring immune system function, as changes in these cell counts and ratios can indicate alterations in immune status.

CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile by Access Labcorp Draw

Whole Blood

Lymphocyte Subset Panel 2 by Access Med Labs

Whole Blood

The Lymphocyte Subset Panel 2 test is a comprehensive panel useful for assessing the patient's immune system functionality and aiding in the diagnosis and management of immunological disorders.

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