Accuracy and cost-effectiveness of a one-tube, three-color method for obtaining absolute CD4 counts and CD4:CD8 ratios.

Abstract

An increasing number of assays to determine absolute CD4 counts are being performed as the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic continues. Simultaneously, there is increasing pressure to contain costs in the clinical laboratory. A rapid, one-tube, three-color method for obtaining CD4 counts has been evaluated for accuracy, compared with a more traditional two-color panel of markers. The data, compiled on 102 patients, including both pediatric and adult human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, indicate a high degree of correlation between the one-tube method and a traditional panel. This approach should be considered for cost-effective and accurate CD4 determinations.