Question

What tests will they do before I start treatment?

16 December 2010. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Other tests, Starting treatment.

What tests should be carried out after teasing positive for HIV with a CD4 count of around 60 and a viral load of about 400,000? Please advise as I’ve had no other tests as yet and seem to have things go wrong every time I go to my clinic. Thank you.
A concerned person.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

I am sorry to hear that you are not having a good experience with your clinic. You can always change to another clinic at any time if you would prefer.

If your CD4 count is below 100 then there are probably lots of tests the doctors would need to do depending on any symptoms you may have.

If you are about to start treatment then the doctors would do a full baseline assessment which includes:

• Hepatitis B and C testing
• Cardiovascular risk assessment
• HIV resistance testing
• Kidney (renal) function
• Liver function
• TB screening (if applicable)
• Diabetes test
• Psychosocial history
• Contraception discussion (women only)

Depending on which treatment the doctor and you have decided upon and the outcomes of the above mentioned tests, there may also be additional tests. It is a very individual process. If you are showing symptoms specific to certain infections there will be additional tests carried out before you start treatment.