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CD4, viral load & other tests

Michael Carter

This booklet provides information on tests you’ll have at your HIV clinic to monitor your health. Some of these tests are to see how HIV is affecting you. Other tests are to monitor your general health. You can expect to have some of these tests every time you have a check-up at your clinic. Other tests will only be undertaken if they are needed.

The information in this booklet isn’t intended to replace discussion with your doctor about your HIV treatment and care or test results. However, it may help you to decide what questions you’d like to ask your doctor about your treatment and care.

CD4, viral load & other tests is also available online in Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Russian and Spanish.

  • The importance of regular health monitoring

    The outlook has never been better for people with HIV in the UK. The right HIV treatment and care can mean that you have a...

  • Types of tests

    There are a number of types of tests that you might have. The most common are: Physical examinations – your doctor will look at your body...

  • Your first visit to your HIV clinic

    Your first appointment at a specialist HIV clinic after your diagnosis (or if you change clinic) will involve questions about your health and medical history,...

  • Regular clinic appointments

    At each visit you’ll have tests to see how HIV is affecting you and to check on your general health. If you’re on HIV treatment,...

  • GPs

    Your HIV clinic will closely monitor all aspects of your health that are related to HIV. However, it’s also important to register with a GP...

  • Sexual health screening

    If you’re sexually active it’s a good idea to have regular tests for sexually transmitted infections. These are available free of charge from specialist sexual...

  • Cervical and anal screening

    Infection with certain strains of a common virus called ‘human papillomavirus’, or HPV, can cause cell changes in the cervix that can lead to cervical...

  • Blood tests

    Some tests give a straightforward result, such as the presence of an infection. But others are looked at in combination with aspects of your health...

  • CD4 cell counts

    CD4 cells (sometimes called T-cells, or helper cells) are white blood cells that organise your immune system’s response to infections. Your CD4 cell count is...

  • Viral load

    Viral load is the term used to describe the amount of HIV in your blood. The more HIV there is in your blood (and therefore...

  • Other blood tests

    Every time you visit your clinic you’ll have some blood tests. As well as being used to monitor your CD4 cell count and viral load,...

  • Other tests

    HIV can cause a thinning of the bones, and loss of bone density is also a possible side-effect of some anti-HIV drugs. Blood tests can...

  • Summary

    Your CD4 cell count gives an impression of the health of your immune system. Monitoring your CD4 cell count can help you and your doctor decide...

CD4, viral load & other tests

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