Question
Can you start ARVs before you know your CD4 count?
3 December 2017. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
I’ve recently been diagnosed with HIV. Can I start ARVs without knowing what my CD4 count is?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Yes you can start ARVs without knowing what your CD4 count is.
This is because HIV meds (called ART) is now recommended for everyone who is HIV positive, regardless of their CD4 count.
The CD4 test still needs to be done so that you know how much HIV has affected your immune system. But you can start treatment while waiting for the results to come back.
Depending on where you live, the hospital might also test for drug resistance.
For more info about starting meds, please see here:
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