Reference ranges of lymphocyte subsets in healthy Qatari adults.

Abstract

Determine reference ranges of lymphocyte subsets in healthy Qatari adults. Blood samples (n = 150) were investigated using four colors flow cytometery. The mean percentage and absolute values of the lymphocyte subsets were: CD3: 73.6 ± 6.1%; 2,072 ± 644 cells/μl; CD4: 41.1 ± 7.9%; 1,167 ± 396 cells/μl; CD8: 33.8 ± 7.1%; 967 ± 364 cells/μl; B cells (CD19(+)): 11.3 ± 3.9%; 318 ± 144 cells/μl and natural killer (NK) cells (CD16/56(+)): 16.5 ± 6.3%, 440 ± 401 cells/μl, respectively. The CD4/CD8 ratio was 1.3 ± 0.5. The ratio, CD3(+) and CD4(+) percentage and CD4(+) cell counts were significantly higher in females; CD8(+) and NK cell count and CD8(+) percentage were significantly higher in males. The impact of age was less certain. The reference values of lymphocyte subsets appear to be specific to this population, demonstrating the importance of establishing local reference ranges.