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Reproductive Immunophenotype (RIP)

• Introduction
• Indications for Testing
• Detection Method
• Interpretation of Test Results
• Specimen Collection and Shipping Requirements
• Turn around Time
• Cost
• Request Hard Copy
• References

Introduction
Identification of the type of relative concentrations of various white blood cell populations in blood is valuable in determining risk factors for pregnancy loss. Evaluation of circulating percentage of CD56+ cells has been shown to be associated with reproductive failure. An elevated ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells is seen in a number of autoimmune disorders including reproductive autoimmune failure syndrome. Detection of elevation of circulating CD56+ cell is helpful in identifying individuals at risk for not implanting embryos and for losing a karyotypically normal pregnancy. Both of these patient populations can enhance live birth rates by treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Indications for Testing
All women who have unexplained infertility or who fail to conceive after in vitro Fertilization and embryo transfer of apparently normal embryos or who experience two or more consecutive pregnancy losses should be tested for the presence of elevated percentage of circulating CD56+ cells. Elevated percentage of circulating CD56+ cells should be monitored during pregnancy to aid in management of treatment.

Detection Method
The percentage of mononuclear cells expressing CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16 and CD56 is detected by flow cytometry using an immunofluoroescence technique.

Interpretation of Test Results
Normal values in blood:

Specimen Collection and Shipping Requirements

• Collect one (1) green top tube.
• Ship at room temperature in prepaid FedEx mailers overnight, next day morning.

Turn around Time
Processing of specimens begins immediately upon receipt at our facilities. Results are routinely available within 7 to 10 days and are initially faxed, then mailed to the requesting physician.

Cost
Included in our fees are specimen collection and shipping materials, all courier and shipping charges, telephone and written reports, and consultation with physicians. Please call 1-877-737-7652 for pricing information.

Request Hard Copy

References
Coulam CB, Goodman C, Roussev RG, Thompson EJ, Beaman KD. Systemic CD56+ cells can predict pregnancy outcome. Am J Reprod Immunol 1995;33:40-46.

Kaider AS, Kaider BD, Janowicz PB, Roussev RG. Immunodiagnostic evaluation in women with reproductive failure. Am J Reprod Immunol 1999;42:335-346.

Kwak JYH, Kwak FMY, Ainbinder SW, Ruiz AM, Beer AE. Elevated peripheral blood natural killer cells are effectively down regulated by immunoglobulin G infusion in women with recurrent spontaneous abortions. Am J Reprod Immunol 1996;35:363-69.