Glossary

primary HIV infection (PHI) – early infection (usually first six months with after HIV infection). Sometimes called acute infection.

macrophage – large white blood cell that engulfs or ‘eats’ infectious organisms and waste material from dead cells.

AIDS – acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

confirmatory test – a second test to double-check the results of a previous one. For example, if your viral load is usually undetectable and then becomes detectable, you need a second confirmatory test. This is to check that the detectable result was not a laboratory error on just a temporary blip.

open label – this means that a patient in a trial knows which treatment they are taking.