T-Lymphocyte Helper/Suppressor

This test measures the ratio of CD4+ helper T cells to CD8+ suppressor T cells, which reflects immune system balance and function. It's used to assess immune competence, monitor responses to infection or vaccination, and evaluate immune-related conditions.

Heavy training can temporarily shift this ratio, as intense exercise and insufficient recovery suppress helper T cells and elevate suppressor T cells—a sign of overtraining or underrecovery. Tracking this ratio may help identify when immune function is compromised and training load should be adjusted to prevent illness and optimize adaptation.