methadone – a man-made opiate that used to treat heroin addiction. See also buprenorphine.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
ALT, alanine aminotransferase, also called serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase; SGPT) – a key liver enzyme produced in liver cells. ALT is routinely monitored in HIVpositive people on ARVs to monitor liver toxicity from HIV drugs (or other medications). Increased ALT signals liver injury, but does not indicate how serious liver damage is.
NASBA (nucleic acid sequence based amplification) – a type of viral load test.
postpartum refers to the time after a baby is born. Postpartum refers to the mother.
See: antepartum and intrapartum.
even distribution – where most results are in the middle and a roughly similar number of results fall either side. Also called bell-shaped or ‘normal’ distribution.