Reference intervals of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, and absolute CD4 values in Asian and Non-Asian populations.

A study to determine reference intervals in normal Asian and non-Asian populations for CD3 (T cells), CD4 (T helper/inducer cells), CD8 (T suppressor/cytotoxic cells), and for the CD4/CD8 ratio and absolute CD4 lymphocyte count was performed. Coulter Clone/Cytostat reagents were used. The samples were lysed using the Coulter Q-Prep and analyzed on the Coulter Profile II flow cytometer. The Asian population appeared to have a lower mean percentage of CD3 and CD4 cells, a lower CD4/CD8 ratio, and lower absolute CD4 lymphocytes. These findings indicate that race should be a consideration in determining reference intervals for immunophenotyping for CD3, CD4, and CD8.