A type of white blood cell. Can increase with bacterial or viral infection, leukaemia, lymphoma, radiation therapy or acute illness. Decreased lymphocyte levels are common in later life but can also indicate steroid medication, stress, lupus and HIV infection.

B cells are responsible for producing antibodies. A decrease in B cell count may indicate immunodeficiency disorders or certain autoimmune diseases.

CD3 T cells are a key component of the immune system, and their activation and expansion can occur in response to an infectious agent or an immune-mediated condition.

CD4+ T cells, also known as helper T cells, are involved in coordinating immune responses. A decrease in CD4+ T cells may be seen in immunodeficiency disorders, or certain infections. An increase in CD4+ T cell count may be seen in some autoimmune diseases.

CD8+ T cells, also called cytotoxic T cells, are involved in directly killing infected or abnormal cells. Elevated CD8+ T cell count may indicate a viral infection, autoimmune diseases, or certain malignancies.

Natural Killer (NK) play a crucial role in the innate immune system. They are a part of the body’s first line of defense against viruses, tumors, and other infected or abnormal cells.

CD56 is often used as a marker to identify and characterize NK cells. It helps distinguish NK cells from other lymphocytes, such as T cells and B cells, which may express different surface markers.

CD16 cells are involved in antibody-mediated immune responses and play essential roles in immune surveillance, defense against pathogens, and elimination of antibody-bound target cells.