What are Natural Killer cells, NK cells and NK Cell Testing

Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " are a type of lymphocyte – an immune cell – normally circulating in blood. They make up a large part of the immune system. Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " play a major role in the rejection of tumors and cells infected by viruses. They kill those cells by apoptosis (cell shrinkage).

There is evidence to suggest that an imbalance of activity of Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " in the blood of some women could be contributing to miscarriage (Ntrivalas et al., 2005). More recently, an imbalance in the presence of Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " was also found in the blood of women whose embryos failed to implant in the womb. (Baltadzheiva et al., 2010).

Some clinics offer blood tests to measure the level of Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " in your blood as well as tests that measure their effectiveness. These blood tests will only measure Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " in the blood and cannot measure or test Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " in the uterus.

Although the evidence regarding a link between blood and uterine Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " is limited, it was recently shown that Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " in the blood could reflect changes in uterine Natural Killer Cells " NK cells " levels (Park et al., 2010).

Natural killer Cell Testing

We are the only clinic in the UK that is able to offer the uterine Natural killer Cell / NK Cell Testing. This is obviously important if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

To find out more or book an NK Cell Test please visit our sister site www.naturalkillercells.co.uk