CD16/56

Description

The CD16/56 test measures the levels of natural killer (NK) cells in the blood. NK cells are a critical component of the innate immune system, providing rapid responses against virally infected cells and tumor cells. CD16 and CD56 are surface markers characteristic of NK cells. This test is important for assessing innate immune function and is often used in the evaluation of recurrent viral infections, certain autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancers, particularly hematological malignancies. Abnormal levels of NK cells can indicate immune system dysfunction or the presence of certain diseases. The test results help in diagnosing NK cell deficiencies, monitoring immune reconstitution after treatments, and evaluating the risk of certain infections or cancers.