An improved method for determining a helper/suppressor ratio of lysed whole blood. The process includes the steps of high speed microcentrifuging the lysed whole blood, decanting, washing and resuspending the sample followed by a second high speed microcentrifuging step. The supernatant fluid is poured off and a tagging solution containing colored beads which bind to T4 and T8 lymphocytes is added followed by low speed microcentrifuging, incubating and counting under a microscope.