Question
Am I positive or negative?
26 April 2023. Related: All topics, HIV testing, Newly diagnosed.
In August 2022 I was tested for HIV. My results were as follows…CD4 count was 200, ‘lam’ test was negative and ‘Craig’ test was negative. What does it mean? I started and am still taking meds.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Have you had any follow-up CD4 count tests since starting treatment? Do you know if your CD4 count is improving?
What test did you use to determine that you are HIV positive? CD4 count alone is not a suitable test to be used as a diagnostic test for HIV. Usually it is a 4th generation antigen/antibody test. Have you had any viral load testing?
I do not recognise ‘iam’ and ‘Craig’ tests. Though as they are both negative was any follow up tests offered/recommended?
Josh,
Hi Desmond, a viral load of 30 is excellent. It means that your treatment is working and that HIV is being suppressed and not damaging your immune system. Are you taking any other treatment? Tenofovir alone is not usually used as a treatment by itself.
Hi Josh,I got my results today and my viral load was said to be at 30 copies..How bad is it??…And is Tenofovir (TDF),taken in the morning or evening??..