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What is CD4 count test?

What is CD4 count test?

A CD4 count is a test that measures the number of CD4 cells in your blood. CD4 cells, also known as T cells, are white blood cells that fight infection and play an important role in your immune system.

How is absolute CD4 lymphocyte count done?

The absolute CD4 count is measured by a simple blood test, the results of which are reported as the number of CD4 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. HIV-negative people typically have absolute CD4 counts between 600 and 1200 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter.

Is a CD4 count of 600 good?

The CD4 cell count of a person who does not have HIV can be anything between 500 and 1500. People living with HIV who have a CD4 count over 500 are usually in pretty good health. People living with HIV who have a CD4 cell count below 200 are at high risk of developing serious illnesses.

What does a CD4 count of 400 mean?

The CD4 count doesn’t directly measure HIV. But it is a good surrogate (or indirect) marker for how HIV has damaged your immune system. It can tell indicate the risk of infections. The normal range for a CD4 count in an HIV negative person is between 400 and 1,600. This will cover 19 out of every 20 people (95%).

What does a viral load of 40 mean?

A viral load of 40 is excellent. This means that you’re undetectable, and that you can’t transmit HIV through sexual intercourse. It also means that there will be less risk to your baby.

How do you read CD4 results?

1. 9 Interpreting CD4 results: CD4 count and CD4 percentage

  1. A CD4 count above 500 is considered “normal”.
  2. A CD4 count below 350 shows HIV has damaged your immune system.
  3. If the count is less than 200 your risk of serious infections becomes much higher.

What does a CD4 count of 300 mean?

As long as your viral load stays undetectable, frequent CD4 counts aren’t useful. If your CD4 level stays at 300 to 500 cells per microliter (cells/μL), you should get the CD4 test only once a year. If your CD4 level is over 500 cells/μL, you shouldn’t need more CD4 tests, unless your condition changes.

How to calculate CD4 count?

The ALC calculator can be used to estimate the CD4 count (without having to go through complex and time consuming determining procedures) based on the white blood cell and lymphocytes count. The absolute lymphocyte count formula is: ALC = WBC count x % Lymphocyte in WBC x 1000.

What to do for a low CD4 count?

Persons with very low CD4 counts may need to take drugs to prevent specific opportunistic infections (OIs) in addition to taking their ART. Once the CD4 count increases in response to ART, it may be possible to stop taking these OI medications.

What is a normal CD4 count range?

The normal CD4 count ranges from 500-1200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood in adults and teens. CD4 counts are usually higher in the evening and lower in the morning.

What does a low CD4 count mean?

A low CD4 count (below 350 cells per cubic millimeter) may indicate infections like thrush or tuberculosis. A count below 200, combined with a positive test for HIV, is considered a sign of AIDS.