The CD16/CD56 test is a specialized diagnostic evaluation in immunopathology used to identify and quantify Natural Killer (NK) cells. CD56 serves as a primary surface marker for NK cells and a subset of T-cells, while CD16 acts as an Fc receptor involved in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
Performed via flow cytometry on peripheral blood, this dual-marker panel assesses overall NK cell population, maturity, and function. It is essential for evaluating primary immunodeficiencies, investigating recurrent pregnancy loss, and diagnosing NK-cell or T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Detecting CD16/CD56 expression provides critical data for staging hematologic malignancies and monitoring immune system status.