B and T lymphocytes: methodology and normal ranges.

B and T lymphocytes separation by use of various cell markers had been previously described. These differential lymphocyte subpopulation counts have been helpful in elucidating immunodeficiency, lymphoproliferative and other disease states. Expanding clinical utility has moved these assays into the general laboratory for routine determination. Specific methodology for differentiation of B and T cell subpopulations is described. The mean T cell population is 68.1 percent +/- 4.2 and the mean B cell population is 8.4 percent +/- 2.1 for 30 ambulatory normals. A bi-modal distribution of T and B lymphocyte cell lines is noted in a family with a high incidence of carcinoma. Preliminary data on patients in the diabetic clinic of the Medical University of South Carolina shows a statistically significant difference in the T cell population of diabetics versus normal.