Description

A patient suspected of having a natural killer cell deficiency should be evaluated according to a diagnostic algorithm.


Patient selection: clinical suspicion of natural killer cell deficiency (such as frequent herpesvirus or papilloma virus infections)

 

Testing may include:

(1) NK cell quantification by flow cytometry

(2) cytotoxicity testing using the 51Cr release assay

(3) advanced functional and phenotypic evaluation

 

Testing should be repeated about 1 month later.

 

Classic NKCD has:

(1) no or very low numbers of NK cells on flow cytometry

(2) shows no activity on cytotoxicity testing

 

Functional NKCD:

(1) has some natural killer cells on flow cytometry

(2) has impaired results on cytotoxicity testing

(3) may warranted additional functional and phenotypic evaluation

 

Other causes of immunodeficiency should be considered:

(1) some natural killer cells are present in flow cytometry

(2) shows normal cytotoxicity testing


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.