Quick highlights
- Measures CD8 cytotoxic T-cell levels via flow cytometry
- Often reported with CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio for immune profiling
- Used in HIV care monitoring and selected immunology evaluations
- No fasting; EDTA blood sample
- Counts fluctuate—trend monitoring is more meaningful
- Interpreted with viral load and clinical context in HIV care
- Useful for documenting immune subset patterns under specialist guidance
- Home blood collection available in many service areas
- Clear guidance against self-adjusting therapy
- SEO coverage: CD8 count test, CD8 T cell count, CD4 CD8 ratio support
What’s included
Preparation
- Book blood draw (home or lab)
- No fasting required
- Disclose recent infections, vaccinations, steroids/immunosuppressants
- If monitoring, try to test under similar conditions each time
- Collect EDTA blood sample via trained phlebotomist
- Download report from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>
- Review with clinician along with CD4 and viral load if applicable
- Follow clinician schedule for repeat monitoring
FAQs
A flow cytometry test measuring cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8 cells) in blood.
No.
Together they provide immune profiling and allow calculation of CD4/CD8 ratio, useful in monitoring contexts.
Yes, along with CD4 and viral load in clinician monitoring.
Yes. Infections and stress can affect counts; trends are more informative.
EDTA whole blood.
Often same day or within 24 hours.
Yes in many serviceable areas.
A derived metric that clinicians may use for immune profiling in certain contexts.
No. It must be interpreted with other markers and clinical assessment.
Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician instructs.
CD4 count, viral load (HIV), CBC, and other immune markers depending on scenario.
Download from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>.
To monitor immune trends over time under clinician guidance.
Notes
CD8 values support immune profiling only.
