Question
What does a CD4 count of 696 mean?
3 October 2007. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
I have just received my first CD4 count after being diagnosed HIV-positive a week ago. It
Answer
Being worried is normal, especially if you have just been diagnosed.
CD4 is a receptor on the surface of a type of white blood cells that the immune system uses in the process of protection of your body. That is why the cells are also sometimes called CD4 cells.
HIV uses the CD4 cells to replicate and during that process it destroys them. As a result, the CD4 count in a HIV-positive person who is not on treatment declines with time. The CD4 count also shows how much damage HIV has caused.
95% of HIV-negative people will have a CD4 count that is between 500 and 1500 per mL blood. Your result is good and, depending on the speed of your infection progresses, you may not need treatment for a while – probably for several years.
You can find some answers to questions about CD4 counts from this site if you follow the link.
Hi Mark, yes natural changes in CD4 count are interesting. There is also variability in the test. Our actual CD4 results can be a factor of 3, higher or lower. Luckily the average is usually close to the real number. This is why an unexpectedly high or low result should always be checked.
The changes between morning and evening, or after a meal or exercise, are generally small. They are not real changes in the strength of your immune system.
Hi Simon
Unfortunately your intro cuts off ~
“I have just received my first CD4 count after being diagnosed HIV-positive a week ago. It -”
Also in the last para it’s a little confusing as it refers to HIV negative people and good CD4 but then talks about the virus progressing or speed of infection.
What I find really interesting is the time of day can even have an effect on your CD4 count – morning in comparison to evening.
Intriguing!
Being worried is quite normal, having been just diagnosed myself just 4 months ago I know and understand how you feel.
Your CD4 count is good and hopefully you can maintain that count for some time, just remember that there is support out there for you should you ever feel the need to talk to anyone