NK Cell Activity Test

A blood test that quantifies
the innate immune system’s ability to function.

The significance of NK Cell Activity Test

NK cells, why not NUMBERS, but ACTIVITY?
Among NK cells, not all NK cells can fight abnormal cells, such as cancer cells. There are many NK cells that lack the ability to attack those abnormal cells. In other words, having high number of NK cells does not necessarily mean that the antitumor immunity is high. It is the highly active NK cells that matters to maintain our immune system stronger.

Inactive NK Cells

NK cells not attacking the cancer cells
Active NK Cells

NK cells attacking the cancer cells to remove.

The Advantage of NK Cell Activity Test

Measures the activity of NK cells using a small amount of blood and get results in a short time.
Measures NK cell activity using whole blood, which includes both innate immune cytotoxicity and immunomodulation of the adaptive immune response.
Allows accurate analysis of the immune system with no loss of cells caused in the process of separation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Allows regular monitoring of the immune system to maintain good health.

Range of Application

Unlike the other diagnostic tools, NK Vue® kit can be used broadly as a health benchmark for healthy people, a treatment monitoring tool for patients, and a research tool in clinical studies.

Test Interpretation

Normal (>500 pg/ml)

Interpretation : Healthy NK cells. The immune responses are strong.
Recommendation : Annual monitoring to maintain your immunity in good condition.

Concerned (250-500 pg/ml)

Interpretation : Temporary low NK cell activity. Balanced lifestyle and daily exercise are recommended to improve immunity.
Recommendation : Lifestyle modification is recommended with a regular checkup is recommended once a 3-6 months to manage your immunity in good condition.

Borderline (100-250 pg/ml)

Interpretation : NK cell activity is below normal range. Low NK cell activity may be caused by health-related condition or it can be an early sign of disease.
Recommendation : Get rid of the causes for temporary low NK cell activity* that may have affected the test result and re-take the test in 2~4 weeks. Close monitoring.

Low (<100 pg/ml)

Interpretation : NK cell activity is low and may be caused by a disease which can lower the activity of NK cells. A person may genetically have low NK cell activity although not common.
Recommendation : Get rid of the causes for temporary low NK cell activity* that may have affected the test result and re-take the test in 2~4 weeks. Physician to decide on additional diagnostic testing to investigate possible causes.

* Causes for temporary low NK cell activity: Drugs [anti-inflammatory pain killers, antibiotics, cholesterol reducers, proton pump inhibitor (PPI), steroids, anti-cancer agents, etc.]

The Meaning of Low Activity of NK Cells

Low NK cell activity is one of the indicators for the diagnosis of diseases and weak immune system. If NK cell activity is consistently low, you should find the reason and further tests should be taken in accordance to a physician’s investigation. A person with low NK cell activity might have a lower immune capacity. To enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells and infectious diseases, it is recommended to avoid stress, live a balanced life, and exercise regularly.
NK Vue is an in vitro diagnostic device for the measurement of NK cell activity. The test is not a diagnostic test for cancer.

High risk of reduced NK cell activity

Various lifestyle diseases
Vulnerable to infectious diseases
Exposed to harmful environment (Ex: long-term exposure to environmental hormones/pollution)
Chronic fatigue
Unbalanced lifestyles (Ex: smoking, drinking)
A family history of cancer, etc.

Disease that might cause reduced NK cell activity

Malignant tumor (Cancer)
Chronic disease
Life style related disease
Other serious diseases