Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells) Panel
A frontline immune cell count tied to viral defense and recurrent infections.
Consider this test if:
- Recurrent, prolonged, or unusually severe viral infections
- Investigating a suspected immune deficiency alongside other lymphocyte subsets
- Tracking immune-cell counts during or after immunosuppressive therapy
- Persistent infections that standard bloodwork has not explained
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Results delivered to your dashboard · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
No fasting required. A recent acute infection, significant physical or emotional stress, and immunosuppressive or steroid medications can shift NK cell counts, so note any current illness or medications. For tracking over time, sampling under similar conditions makes results more comparable.
Video consult with your Care Team
A 1:1 call to discuss your health.
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What this test is for
Natural killer cells are a type of lymphocyte that attacks virus-infected and abnormal cells without needing prior exposure, making them part of the body's first line of immune defense. This panel uses flow cytometry to measure NK cells both as an absolute count and as a percentage of total lymphocytes, identified by their CD3-/CD16+/CD56+ surface markers. Low NK cell numbers are linked to greater susceptibility to viral infections, including cytomegalovirus and varicella, and are often investigated in people with frequent or unusually severe infections. The result is read alongside a broader immune workup, since NK counts shift with acute illness, recent infection, and immunosuppressive medication. It is most useful when recurrent infections or a suspected immune deficiency need objective immune-cell data rather than a one-off explanation.
Biomarkers tested
Includes 3 biomarkers
- Specimen
- Whole blood
- Measures
- Number concentration
- Specimen
- Whole blood
- Measures
- Number fraction (%)
- Specimen
- Whole blood
- Method
- Automated cell count
- Measures
- Number concentration
What you'll learn
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Insights that connect the dots. A clinician reads your whole picture, not one result in isolation, connecting family history, past results, and lifestyle into clear next steps.
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Your personalized action plan. Nutrition, supplements, and training in one clinician-reviewed protocol, updated as your results change.
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Track your trends. Upload results from any lab and see each biomarker trend over time, so you know what is working.
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Never miss a recheck. Mito tells you what is worth retesting and when, then reminds you so nothing slips.
What to expect
- 1 Book instantly
Click, book, done. Choose a convenient lab location near you. Transparent, up-front pricing.
- 2 Quick lab visit
Testing to fit your busy schedule, usually 15 minutes or less. Walk-in and appointments available.
- 3 Fast, dashboard-delivered results
Your results post straight to your dashboard as soon as the lab completes them.
- 4 Expert guidance
Included with Mito membership. A clinician reviews your results and your personalized action plan follows, with clear next steps.
Everything your health needs,
in one membership
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Every test at our cost
Members pay our cost on every test, with lab fees passed straight through. The full receipt is itemized, never padded.
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Continuous tracking, all in one place
Upload past labs and watch your trends over time. Every marker and visit lives in one longitudinal record, so all your care stays together.
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Year-round clinician support
Text anytime and get clinician-reviewed answers. When you want to go deeper, 1:1 consultations are available at affordable rates.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
Mito Membership
$9 /mo
cancel anytime
Without membership
$0
pay as you go
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Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow does pricing work?
Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost, covering the lab and what it takes to run the service. It is never a profit on the test itself. Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9 per month, and any applicable lab order or draw fee is itemized before you pay.
Where do I get tested?
Choose an available partner lab at checkout. If your cart contains multiple blood tests, Mito helps consolidate the eligible tests at one lab when possible. At-home kits and scans follow the collection or appointment process shown on their product page.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. Eligible tests can be paid for with an HSA or FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results appear in your Mito dashboard after the laboratory completes processing. A clinician then reviews them before your analysis and personalized action plan are finalized. Timing varies by test, and specialty assays and at-home kits may take longer.
Do I need a physician's order?
No. Mito provides the laboratory order when one is required, so you do not need to arrange a separate physician visit before purchasing.
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