Question
Which blood tests are used to monitor HIV treatment?
26 April 2007. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, Other tests, Starting treatment.
Blood tests are often performed to assess the effectiveness of HIV treatments. What in particular is being assessed? What are the important levels?
Answer
The main tests include:
CD4 count – this tells you if your immune system is getting stronger. If you started with a CD4 count that was less than 200 cells/mm3, then you are aiming to get above this level. Anything higher than this is all good.
Viral load – this test shows whether treatment is reducing the level of virus in you blood. When on treatment, it is important for viral load levels to become undetectable (less than 50 copies/mL). This should happen within 3 – 6 months of starting treatment. Sometimes is happens more quickly, but detectable viral load levels after 6 months increase the risk that you can develop resistance to treatment.
Other laboratory tests – a wide range of monitoring blood tests are also run on your blood sample to check that treatment is not causing side effects.
These will include checking that you liver and kidneys are working well, an that levels of blood sugar and fat (cholesteroi and triglycerides) are also ok.
AidsInfonet is an excellent website with basic factsheets on laboratory tests and the normal ranges for results (see factsheets 120-128).
Aidsmeds.com includes a resource where you can record and track your lab results online.
Comment