
Importance of CD4 and CD8 T cells
CD4 and CD8 T cells are important in viral killing and antibody response. T-cell subsets typically decrease with increasing disease severity in COVID-19 patients.1 Upon admission in hospitals, a major challenge for clinicians is to determine whether a COVID-19 patient faces an increased risk of intubation with mechanical ventilation (IMV), and mortality.
The BD Multitest™ 6-Color TBNK Reagent, with BD Trucount™ Tubes, is a CE -marked, six-colour direct immunofluorescence reagent. It can be used with suitable flow cytometers to identify and determine the percentages and absolute counts of T, B and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as CD4 and CD8 T-cell subpopulations in peripheral blood. Using pre-determined cut-off values for CD3+ CD4+ and/ or CD3+ CD8+ lymphocyte counts, the test can be used as an aid in determining the risk of intubation with mechanical ventilation, and the risk of mortality, in conjunction with clinical findings and other lab test results. This may help clinicians better determine an appropriate course of action for hospitalised COVID-19 patients, which is currently a top priority.
Learn more by visiting our dedicated page