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Lymphocytes Blood Test |
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Lymphocytes Blood Test - Lymphocytes Transformation Test, Proliferation Test, Results
Lymphocytes are an integral component of blood in human beings. They vary in size and shape based on their function in the human body. Lymphocytes perform various different functions. Lymphocytes are also an important part of the human immune system. There are natural killer cells which would locate and destroy potentially harmful cells like virus infected cells. T cells and B cells are other types of lymphocytes that are reactive in nature. When they identify a potentially hazardous component in the blood, they form an immune response to this. This is the basic method of functioning for the immune system.
Lymphocytes Test Results
A lymphocytes test is performed as part of a normal blood test that seeks to measure the levels of various components in the blood. Lymphocytes test results are vital in diagnosing a person or understanding their condition. A high lymphocyte blood test result will indicate that the person’s immune system is active and fighting off an infection. A person who is suffering from an illness will have a high lymphocyte count. In the case of a low lymphocyte blood test result, the doctor will suspect a non functioning immune system or one that is suffering from trauma. A patient who has had a surgery may have a low lymphocyte count. Low lymphocyte levels can also indicate the effect of the HIV virus which destroys T cell lymphocytes in the body. This could cause common and harmless infections to become potentially life threatening to an infected individual.
Lymphocytes Transformation Test
Lymphocyte transformation is something that occurs when a lymphocyte is exposed to a particular virus or antigen. This is also known as blastogenesis. This involves a complete change in the behavior and shape of the lymphocyte cells and occurs as a response to an illness or virus. During transformation, lymphocytes absorb proteins and divide themselves into large groups of cells that are capable of fighting an infection. To test the working of the lymphocytes, and therefore the immune response, a lymphocyte transformation test may be performed. Lymphocyte proliferation occurs in B lymphocyte cells. B cells are active in production of antibodies against viruses and illnesses. A lymphocyte proliferation test will show the functioning of the B lymphocyte cells. The cells are exposed to a particular antigen which is bound to the cell. This results in the cell producing clones of its self to fight that particular antigen. The cells then become different and will respond to the antigen.
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Submitted on
April 7, 2010 |
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