Glossary

qualitative (in a study) – where what is being measured either fits one of several categories, or includes descriptive results.

methadone – a man-made opiate that used to treat heroin addiction. See also buprenorphine.

randomise – in research, this is a way of decide at random which participants join each group. So neither you or your doctor chose which group you join in a research study. A common example is that the decision would be made similar to tossing a coin.

More information from the i-Base guide to HIV research.

lymphocyte – medical term for a white (clear) immune cell in blood, lymph or lymph tissue. Two main types of lymphocyte are B cells and T cells. CD4 cells and CD8 cells are both types of T cells. Sometimes a CD4 count is referred to as a CD4 T cell count or a T cell count.

albumin – a protein made by the liver. It carries drugs, hormones and waste products through the blood and maintains fluid levels within the body. An abnormally low level of albumin is a sign of serious liver damage.