Question
How often shall I check my CD4 count?
1 April 2009. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
Wonderful work your doing with the site!
I was recently diagnosed with HIV with a CD4 count of nearly 700. My doctor mentioned I should have a CD4 count every 3 months. As I would have to pay for this (I’m not in the UK), my belief is that it is more financially beneficial for the hospital rather than for my own benefit. Perhaps I’m wrong, but if I’m newly infected and my CD4 count is strong then I’m thinking it’s not necessary to have it checked so often. I am thinking, for the present, once a year.
Answer
Once a year, perhaps is a bit too infrequent. Many hospitals with a good standard (and with free of charge tests) will insist on checking your CD4 count minimum every 6 months when you are not on ARVs. Some do it even more frequently (3-4 months) depending on the clinical state of the person.
I do not know how expensive the CD4 test is in your clinic, but it is among the cheapest monitoring tests (compared to viral load and resistance, for instance) when it comes to HIV treatment.
It may make sense to shop around and find the cheapest and reliable place where you live, as CD4 may fluctuate and many things can happen within a year period.
Hi Sya,
Its perfectly common to feel scared when you’ve just been diagnosed. Is there someone that you can talk to? A close friend or a relative?
At this point its important to breath, slow down, you’re going to be fine. Please see here:
http://i-base.info/just-found-out/
With regards to treatment, its now recommended to start as soon as someone is diagnosed. Is this possible for you? There’s info about treatment here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
Do you know what your viral load is and CD4 count?
I jus found out m hiv positive last week nd m 28 years when shuld i start treatment m soo scared
Hi,
The CD4 percentage result tells you how many of your white blood cells are CD4 cells. If you’re HIV negative, 45% is the average figure. The normal range if you’re HIV negative is between 24% and 64%.
If you tested HIV positive in 2014 it’s a good idea to go to the clinic and have all your tests done again.
Here in the UK, HIV treatment guidelines recommend starting treatment (ART) at any CD4 count.
You can find out more about CD4% in the Q&A here.
On 2014 August my CD4 count was 62,2%. I’ve never gone for a checkup again, should I go to the clinic and check again.
Hi Evans,
Are you on treatment?
This is a very good CD4 count! About 50% of people will need treatment in the first 5-10 years after being infected because they have a CD4 count of 350 or below. But many people do maintain a high CD4 count for longer than this. Please see this page about the average time between diagnosis and needing treatment.
I recentlcy we for my checks and result of my cd4 count was 756 , but i have hiv for the past six years how possible is that
Hi Jack,
Where do you live that testing is this expensive?
Yes, it cost a lot for testing, I m so confusing when come to this bcos my income is level of the treatment, once testing cost around $900 and the drugs cost at least $800.
Hi Zenande,
Do you know what your CD4 count and viral load are? Knowing this information will give me a much clearer idea of your situation.
If you have any symptoms that you are worried about you should speak to a doctor about these. They may be connected to HIV, or they could be related to another health condition. It’s important to see a doctor if you are worried so that you can get the appropriate treatment.
Hi
I’m 27 years old female, and i’m HIV positive diagnosed in 2011, i have skin problem (pimples) ever since then now i’m scared because sometimes i loose a lot of wait and gain aswell.
I’m not on treatment yet please what causes that
Thanks