CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%)

Other names: % CD16+CD56 (NATURAL KILLER CELLS)

Optimal result: 4 – 25 %

The CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%) test is a sophisticated diagnostic assay crucial in the field of immunology, offering invaluable insights into the functioning of the body’s immune system. This test specifically measures the percentage of natural killer (NK) cells, identified by the absence of CD3 and the presence of CD16 and CD56 markers, in the total lymphocyte population. NK cells are a vital component of the innate immune system, playing a key role in the body’s first line of defense against tumors, virally infected cells, and in modulating immune responses. The CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%) test is pivotal in evaluating various immune conditions, including autoimmune diseases, chronic viral infections, and certain cancers.

The CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%) test is a sophisticated diagnostic assay crucial in the field of immunology, offering invaluable insights into the functioning of the body’s immune system. This test specifically measures the percentage of natural killer (NK) cells, identified by the absence of CD3 and the presence of CD16 and CD56 markers, in the total lymphocyte population. NK cells are a vital component of the innate immune system, playing a key role in the body’s first line of defense against tumors, virally infected cells, and in modulating immune responses. The CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%) test is pivotal in evaluating various immune conditions, including autoimmune diseases, chronic viral infections, and certain cancers. In oncology, alterations in the percentage of these NK cells can provide insights into tumor immunology and the body's natural ability to combat cancer. In autoimmune diseases, aberrant levels of NK cells may reflect dysregulation in the immune system. Additionally, this test holds significance in the study of reproductive health, as NK cells are involved in pregnancy, particularly in the implantation process and early placental development. High levels of NK cells are often explored in cases of recurrent miscarriages and fertility issues. Conversely, a reduced percentage of NK cells may indicate a compromised immune system.

CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%)
Healthmatters dashboard showing biomarker trend graph

Every lab result you’ve ever had, charted and explained.

Healthmatters is a tracker for your lab results. Upload a report from any lab, any country — every marker charted and explained.

Start with my report →
Beyond CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%) — 10,000+ markers explained
One CD3-/CD16+CD56+ (%) result tells you where you are. Your history tells you where you’re heading. Upload your past lab reports and see this marker — and every marker on them —every marker charted against your own lab’s ranges.
Start with this report →
Healthmatters timeline preview showing biomarker trends over time
Clinical Sources & References

All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We’re committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.

Article Review Log
Written by Healthmatters Editorial Team
Healthmatters Lifetime Plan

Pay $250. Track your health forever

One payment. No renewals. Yours for life.

10,000+ biomarkers explained · trends over time

See other plans →
Secure checkout via Stripe · GDPR & HIPAA
We accept results from any lab
LabCorp Quest Diagnostics Genova Diagnostics DUTCH Test Doctor's Data Vibrant America ZRT Laboratory Cyrex Labs + any other lab

What members are saying

★★★★★ 10,000+ happy members
★★★★★

"Watching my numbers move over the years — instead of forgetting last time's results — completely changed how I manage my health."

Daniel
Member since 2022
★★★★★

"Living across several countries made keeping my lab results organized a real challenge. Healthmatters brought my results from the USA, Spain, and Germany together — 20 years of history, with long-term trends instead of scattered reports."

Ben
Member since 2021 · tracks across countries
★★★★★

"Standard lab ranges are too wide for how I practice — 'normal' isn't optimal. I set my own bands, so a client sees yellow before a marker goes officially out of range. That's the conversation I want to be having."

Dr. Alexandra
Functional medicine · 6 yrs on Pro