Question
Is it normal to have CD4 results that fluctuate?
7 January 2026. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Hi. Is it normal to have results that fluctuate. My CD4 percentage and CD4/CD8 ratio fluctuates though my CD4 count remains steadily high. Previous results showed 1.2 ratio and my results now show a 0.7 ratio and a CD4 percentage of 21.4%. My viral load is 33 ul/ml.
Is it usual to have high CD4 count but low CD4 percentage? I am also on antibiotics at the moment for a UTI infection which might affect the results?
Answer
Hi there
Yes, CD4 results can fluctuate, including the ratio and percentages.
It is more usual for the CD4 ratio and percentage to be more stable between tests, but the normal range is still quite wide. Without more details though including more results and the related dates is is difficult to comment.
Once on treatment it is more important that your viral load is undetectable (defined as less than 50 copies/mL. This shows that your meds are still working well, especially as your CD4 count remain high.
What has your doctor said about this?
Please also see this link for more details:
i-base.info/qa/115
Comment