Natural Killer Cells

Synonyms

• LAB10648
• NATURAL KILLER CELLS
• NK CELL
• NKCELL

Cerner Name

Natural Killer Cells

Clinical Info

Measurement of Natural Killer (NK) Cells is useful in the diagnosis of retinoblastomas, medulloblastomas, astrocytomas, and neuroblastomas.
Avoid transport just before or during weekends, which can result in preassay delay
Stability 72 hours only drawn Monday - Thursday only

Specimen Sources

Blood, Arterial Blood, Capillary Blood, Central Line Blood, Venous

Specimen Types

Blood

Specimen Volume

5 mL mL whole blood (1 mL min)

Container

Lavender Top Tube

Collection Instructions

Container/Tube: Lavender (EDTA) tube
Specimen: 5 mL mL whole blood (1 mL min)
Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
Stability: 72 hrs Room Tempurature
 
 Recommendation: Draw sample shortly before courier pick up so it is received at the lab within 24 hours. Avoid transport just before or during weekends, which can result in preassay delay.
Specimen Stability Room temperature: 72 hours
 

Transport Instructions

Room Temperature

Specimen Stability

72 hrs Room Tempurature
 
 Recommendation: Draw sample shortly before courier pick up so it is received at the lab within 24 hours. Avoid transport just before or during weekends, which can result in preassay delay.
Specimen Stability Room tem

Methodology

Flow Cytometry
 
Includes: Absolute Lymphocytes and Natural Killer Cells (CD3-CD56+CD16+)

Days Performed

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics' Nichols Institute, Inc. - Chantilly

CPT

86357

PDM

1559166

Only Orderable at Locations:

Orderable Everywhere

Results

Result Interpretation

Forms

• Technical Bulletin Natural Killer Cells Discontinued Test 05-29-2025