The complex cascade of events that comprise the cellular portion of the immune response include the proliferation of lymphocytes in response to upstream events (activation, Ca++ flux, etc.). This assay tests the capacity of lymphocytes to proliferate in response to exposure to mitosis-inducing agents (mitogens). Specifically, peripheral blood mononuclear cells are exposed to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (ConA), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and cultured for several days. An excess of radio-labeled thymidine is made available to the cells during the later part of the culture period. As the stimulated cells enter the S phase of the cell cycle, they synthesize DNA, incorporating the radio-labeled thymidine which is then quantitated using a microplate scintillation counter. Results are expressed as counts per minute (cpm).
CPT Codes
86353x3
Collection
Collect
Blood in 4mL DkGrn NaHep (2 tubes needed). Collect only Mon-Fri. On Fridays, must be received to Burnet lab by 1400 .
Minimum Collection Volume
Contact Lab for minimum volumes (based on ALC)
Shipping/Handling Instructions (Lab Use Only)
Do not spin. Critical: Room Temp
External Client Shipping and Handling
Sample must be received within 24 hours of collection.
The complex cascade of events that comprise the cellular portion of the immune response include the proliferation of lymphocytes in response to upstream events (activation, Ca++ flux, etc.). This assay tests the capacity of lymphocytes to proliferate in response to exposure to mitosis-inducing agents (mitogens). Specifically, peripheral blood mononuclear cells are exposed to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (ConA), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and cultured for several days. An excess of radio-labeled thymidine is made available to the cells during the later part of the culture period. As the stimulated cells enter the S phase of the cell cycle, they synthesize DNA, incorporating the radio-labeled thymidine which is then quantitated using a microplate scintillation counter. Results are expressed as counts per minute (cpm).
