Friday, February, 10, 2012

T (thymus derived) lymphocyte count

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Thymus derived lymphocyte count; T-lymphocyte count


What the risks are

Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling light-headed
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • Multiple punctures to locate veins

Note: This test is often performed on people with altered immune systems. Therefore, the risk for infection may be somewhat greater than when blood is drawn from a person with a normal immune system.


Special considerations

This following can affect test results:

  • Chemotherapy medications
  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressive medications
  • Radiation therapy
  • Stress
  • Surgery

Images

Review Date: 08/01/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)