Lymphocyte Transformation Test Based on Lymphocyte Changes Observed by a Hematology Analyzer before and after Phytohemagglutinin Stimulation

OBJECTIVE: The lymphocyte transformation test is a classical test for the detection of cellular immune function and is based on subjective judgment. In this study, we have established an objective novel lymphocyte transformation test using the hematology analyzer to observe lymphocyte transformation. METHODS: Whole blood cells were cultured using a whole blood method with a lymphocyte culture medium; phytohemagglutinin was used to stimulate the experimental samples, and control was set up at the same time. After the whole blood cells were cultured, the number of lymphocytes in the two groups was observed using a hematology analyzer, and the conversion rate was calculated. The new method was used to observe differences in lymphocyte conversion in the peripheral blood of patients with hematopathy and healthy persons. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the stimulated peripheral blood group and the blank group. The transformation rate of peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients with hematopathy was significantly lower than that in healthy persons; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lymphocyte transformation can be observed using a hematology analyzer. The lymphocyte transformation test that is based on the determination of lymphocyte count by a hematology analyzer has important clinical value.