sheep cell test

sheep cell test

Etymology: AS, sceap + L, cella, storeroom, testum, crucible

a method that mixes human blood cells with the red blood cells of sheep to determine the absence or the deficiency of human T lymphocytes. When mixed with human blood cells, the red blood cells of sheep cluster around the human T lymphocytes and form characteristic rosettes. An electron microscope is used to identify the rosettes. An absence or a decrease in the number of rosettes indicates a deficiency or absence of T cells. The sheep cell test is used to diagnose several diseases, such as DiGeorge's syndrome, that decrease or destroy the cellular immunity provided by T cells.

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sheep cell test,

n a method that mixes human blood cells with the red blood cells of sheep to determine the absence or deficiency of human T-lymphocytes.