Question
How do I prepare for my CD4 and viral load tests?
24 April 2012. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
In a week I need to make my quarter and second screening (including CD4 count and VL) Is there any suggestion how I need to behave the day before the screening? For example having a lot of physical exercise versus resting or having a big meal instead dieting, can make the difference in CD4 count result. Any other suggestion ?
Answer
There is no need to do anything different from normal the day before your tests. A lot of things can affect your CD4 results. These include exercise and any other infections, and even the time of day. Exercising immediately before your test could affect the results. They may also vary if you take one test in the morning and another in the evening.
CD4 counts are very likely to be different between tests.
One CD4 count/viral load reading doesn’t tell you much. Your doctor will want to look at how your results change over time to see how your body is responding to the virus.
For more information about CD4 and viral load tests you can look at other questions which have been answered online.
Hi D, thanks. You have had a great response to HIV meds and I can’t explain the CD4 dip, other than that CD4 counts sometimes vary. What did your doctor say about this. Is the clinic looking for any other cause. This is a good reason for the clinic to monitor more carefully but the next result might be higher without you needing to change anything. Please talk to the clinic too.
Hello,
I’ve been HIV positive for 17 yrs and just received my latest cd4 count and viral load test results and my viral load was still undetectable, as ot has been for the past 16 yrs but my cd4 count has dropped to 263. During my last test before that, 6 months ago, my cd4 count had already dropped to 554, after years of having tests every 6 months and always being in the 650 to 900 range. I had a cold/flu/virus (not sure) back at the beginning of February and persistent bronchitis followed for a month until I went to see my GP who prescribed me antibiotics. I finally got rid of 5he cough beginning of April. Not sure if that could’ve had an effect still today. I would please like to know your opinion on the possible reasons for my cd4 count dropping so low, whilst my viral load is still undetectable? Thank you.