REFERENCE LABORATORY CHANGE
Natural Killer Cell Activity (NK Cell Functional Assay)
Order Code: NKFUN
Fee Code: AA712, AA713 (CPT 86352, 86357)
Reference Laboratory: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital #2900800
New Order Code: VNKFN
New Fee Code: pending (CPT 88184, 88185)
New Reference Lab: Viracor #30035
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has discontinued their Natural Killer Cell Functional Assay effective August 10, 2026. Requests for this test will be sent to Eurofins Viracor. The new order code VNKFN will be available effective August 25, 2025. Please note that there has been a change to the specimen collection and handling requirements.
This assay evaluates the functional capacity of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells mediate killing of virally infected cells and tumor cells. Decreased natural killer cell function has been observed in patients with recurrent viral infections and cancer patients.
Collection Instructions: Collect sufficient specimens in ACD tubes. Send 20 mL intact whole blood refrigerated with a STAT courier. Specimens are accepted by MLabs Monday through Thursday between 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm only and must be received by the performing laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Reference Range: 16.1 – 51.2 LU10