Specimen:

Whole Blood

Minimum:

20 ml; two green tops.  Do not use a needle smaller than 21 gauge.

Delivery Instructions:

Keep at room temperature.  Do not refrigerate.

Comments:

Since the assay is run on Tuesday only, the blood must be drawn on 
Tuesday.  Do not centrifuge.  This assay is run using viable 
lymphocytes.  Have floor deliver to Cellular Immunology Lab, VAMC Bldg. 
41, Room 223 or Specimen Control (6240 RCP) within 3 hours of drawing.  
Must be in lab no later than noon.  Test may also be run on Friday, but 
prior arrangements (1-2 day advance notice) are required. Call 
158-7550.

This assay examines the ability of lymphocytes (T and B) to respond to 
a polyclonal stimuli (PHA, CON A, PWM, IL-2, and Anti-CD3).  A normal 
response suggests that the patient's T and B lymphocytes have a normal 
capacity to proliferate upon encountering an appropriate stimulus.  For 
a global assessment of lymphocyte function, order 'Lymphocyte 
Transformation, Spontaneous' and 'Lymphocyte Transformation, Mitogen' 
or 'Lymphocyte Transformation, Battery'.

See also:
Lymphocyte Transformation, Battery, Whole Blood
Lymphocyte Transformation, Spontaneous, Whole Blood