Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
23:56
Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: November 1, 2010
Affordable CD4(+) T-cell counts on 'single-platform' flow cytometers I. Primary CD4 gating
1HIV Immunology, Department of Immunology and Molecular Pathology, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK. janossy@rfhsm.u-net.com
British Journal of Haematology
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Primary CD4 gating using flow cytometry provides accurate CD4(+) lymphocyte counts. This cost-effective method is ideal for monitoring HIV patients, especially in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Flow Cytometry
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Accurate CD4(+) lymphocyte counts are crucial for managing HIV/AIDS and monitoring therapy.
- Traditional flow cytometry methods can be complex and costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of 'primary CD4 gating' as a simplified flow cytometry technique.
- To assess the accuracy of primary CD4 gating for absolute CD4 counts, CD4%, and CD4/CD8 ratios.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three CD4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with five fluorochromes for primary CD4 gating.
- Compared results with state-of-the-art single-platform flow cytometers (Ortho CytoronAbsolute, BD FACSCalibur) using TruCount beads.
- Analyzed data from over 600 individuals, including HIV(+) patients.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated excellent correlation (R(2) = 0.999) between primary CD4 gating and established methods.
- Bland-Altman analysis showed minimal mean difference (-2 cells/mm(3)) with narrow confidence intervals.
- The method accurately determined absolute CD4 counts, CD4%, and CD4/CD8 ratios.
Conclusions:
- Primary CD4 gating is an economical and flexible flow cytometry technology for routine diagnostics.
- This approach is particularly suitable for cost-conscious service work and patient follow-up in developing countries.
- Effective for monitoring patients undergoing anti-HIV therapy and vaccination.
