Test to measure NK cell activity in cancer screening and recurrent miscarriage/infertility
What is Natural Killer (NK) cell?
NK cell, also known as natural killer cell, is a white blood cell in the natural immune system, capable of recognizing and destroying virus-infected cells and differentiated cells, including cells capable of forming cancer.
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NK cell role
NK cells play an important role in the immune response to virus-infected cells, resistance to tumor formation, as well as an important role in the embryo implantation process.
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NK cell and IVF failure, recurrent miscarriage
The immune system in pregancy will be adjusted to help the body adapt to the presence of the fetus.
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NK cells are the main immune cells found in the uterus. The number of NK cells will increase during the process of embryo transfer into the uterus for implantation.
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NK stimulates angiogenic factors and regulates embryo invasion into the uterus.
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Increased number and activity of NK cells lead to increased toxic secretion, failure to regulate local immunity, embryo rejection, and endometrial degeneration.
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On the contrary, lack of NK cells, poorly functioning immune cells, and failure to secrete cytokines to increase blood vessels, leading to failure to accept and adhere to the embryo into the uterus.
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What is testing for NK cell activity?
NK cell testing includes peripheral blood testing and uterine biopsy to evaluate the number and level of NK cell activity. Peripheral blood tests may be performed along with a uterine biopsy.
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The importance of testing for NK cell activity
In obstetrics: NK testing helps support and reduce miscarriage rates; increased birth rate (the group that used NK testing and treatment had a live birth rate twice as high as the control group (the group that did not).
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Who should do testing for Natural Killer cell activity?
- Patients with consecutive miscarriages (over 3 times for women under 35 years old, and over 2 times for women older than 35)
- Patients who have multiple IVF failures (over 2)
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Testing for NK cell activity at Phacolab
1. Equipment: DxFLEX
2. Technology: Using the most advanced DxFLEX flow cell analyzer system from Beckman Coulter (USA)
+ Accurate multi-parameter analysis.
+ European standards - CE IVD
+ Simple process (short - within 2 hours)
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3. Chemicals:
4. Specimen: Whole blood sample
5. Time for final results:
6. Sensitivity/Specificity:
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