This booklet focuses on blood tests called viral load and CD4 counts. These tests are crucial in helping you decide when to start treatment, and to monitor the effects of your treatment. This booklet is not intended to replace discussion with your doctor about your treatment or test results. However, it may help you to decide what questions to ask your doctor about any course of treatment you may be considering.

Acknowledgements

Edited by Rob Dawson
Seventh edition 2007

NAM is grateful to the funders of this booklet series:

Department of Health, the Derek Butler Trust, Healthsure Charitable Trust, NHS London HIV and GUM Commissioning Consortium

Thanks for the assistance of:

• Dr Fiona Boag, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London
• Dr Ray Brettle, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
• Professor Janet Darbyshire, Medical Research Council, Clinical Trials Unit, London
• Dr Martin Fisher, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton
• Henry Grahame-Smith
• Roy Kilpatrick
• Professor Clive Loveday, Royal Free Hospital, London
• Lisa Power, Terrence Higgins Trust, London
• Dr Ian Williams, Mortimer Market Centre, London
• Dr Mike Youle, Royal Free Hospital, London