Test Code QNKS Natural Killer (NK)/Natural Killer T (NKT) Cell Subsets, Quantitative, Blood
Useful For
Quantitation of ONLY the major natural killer (NK)-cell subsets relative to total NK cells (NK cell subsets) or total lymphocytes (NK T cells)
Assessment in the following clinical contexts: HIV, primary immune deficiencies with NK cell defects, NK-cell lymphocytosis, solid-organ transplantation, immune reconstitution following bone marrow or hematopoietic cell transplantation, evaluation of NK cells in neoplasias
Reporting Name
Quantitative NK/NKT SubsetsSpecimen Type
WB Sodium HeparinSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
WB Sodium Heparin | Ambient | 30 hours | GREEN TOP/HEP |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
The appropriate age-related reference values will be provided on the report. Pediatric reference values are not available and therefore, interpretation will be based on adult ranges with appropriate cautionary statements in the interpretation.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Do not send specimen after Thursday. Specimen must be received by 10 a.m. on Friday.
Performing Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed using an analyte specific reagent. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86356 x3
86359
86357
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
QNKS | Quantitative NK/NKT Subsets | In Process |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
QNKSI | Quantitative NK/NKT Interpretation | 69052-9 |
NKA45 | Total Lymphs (CD45+) | 27071-0 |
NKP3N | % Total CD45+CD3- cells | 89311-5 |
NKA3N | Total CD45+CD3- cells | 89313-1 |
NKP | % Total NK Cells | 8112-5 |
NKA | Total NK Cells | 9728-7 |
NKPCY | % Cytotoxic NK (CD16++CD56+) | 42189-1 |
NKACY | Cytotoxic NK (CD16++CD56+) | 42188-3 |
NK56P | % Cytokine-Producing NK (CD56++) | 8133-1 |
NK56A | Cytokine-Producing NK (CD56++) | 14113-5 |
NKPL3 | % Total CD45+CD3+ Cells | 56907-9 |
NKAL3 | Total CD45+CD3+ Cells | 89312-3 |
NKTP | % NKT cells (CD3+CD56+) | 17135-5 |
NKTA | NKT cells (CD3+CD56+) | 26858-1 |
Method Name
Flow Cytometry
Advisory Information
Mayo Lab Director/Consultant approval is required prior to ordering test, call 800-533-1710.
This assay does not measure cell-surface or intracellular proteins on NK/NKT cell subsets. Order NKSP / Natural Killer (NK)/Natural Killer T (NKT) Cell Subset Panel.
A minimum CD45 lymph count (as measured by flow cytometry in the laboratory) is required to report this test. If that requirement is not met (eg, patients with severe lymphopenia), the test will be canceled and an alternate test will be suggested (TBBS / Quantitative Lymphocyte Subsets: T, B, and Natural Killer [NK].
Shipping Instructions
Send specimen Monday through Thursday only. Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of draw and by 10 a.m. on Friday. Draw and package specimen as close to shipping time as possible. Ship specimen overnight.
Necessary Information
Ordering physician's name and phone number are required.
Specimen Required
For serial monitoring, we recommend that specimen draws be performed at the same time of day.
Container/Tube: Sodium heparin
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.