CD56 Test

CD56 Test

These cells, known as CD56 test, Natural Killer (NK), and whose proportions have changed for various reasons in the uterus, adversely affect the formation of pregnancy. It is a test that determines the density of these cells in the inner layer of the uterus.

Numerous molecular mechanisms come into play during the implantation of the embryo in the inner layer of the uterus, both in spontaneous pregnancies and in pregnancies obtained after in vitro fertilization treatments. Among these mechanisms, it is of great importance that the immune system is at an appropriate level for pregnancy. If the amount of NK cells is more or less than normal in the inner layer of the uterus, it may negatively affect the placement of embryos in the uterus. The fact that these cells are more than normal in the inner layer of the uterus is shown as one of the causes of pregnancy loss.

It can be recommended to patients who have had 2 or more spontaneous abortions before, or to patients who have not achieved pregnancy despite the transfer of 4 or more good quality embryos in previous IVF treatments.

How is the CD56 Test Done and How Is It Treated?

For this test, patients' blood or uterine tissue can be examined. However, since the amount of cells in the blood may be insufficient, the preferred approach is to make the evaluation from tissue.

For this, preferably between the 21st and 24th days of menstruation, an immunohistochemical evaluation is made from the tissue piece to be taken from the inner layer of the uterus under anesthesia and the result is given.

In patients with high CD56 levels, treatments that balance the immune system are applied in order to correct these altered cell ratios, and embryo transfer may increase the chances of couples after the balance is achieved in the system.