What is CD4 Test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the CD4 Test used for?

To understand the progression of HIV and its impact on your immune system and whether to start or alter your medicines.

•   To diagnose AIDS: Even though HIV and AIDS are often interlinked, it does not mean that an HIV patient has AIDS. AIDS is a severe and advanced form of HIV that occurs when the CD4 count is extremely low. AIDS is detected when the body's immune system is severely damaged. 
•   CD4 count is also used on patients who have had an organ transplant as they take medicines to suppress CD4 levels. This is done to ensure that the immune system doesn’t attack the new organ.

Understanding the test results of CD4 Test

A normal CD4 count varies from 500 to 1,400 cells per cubic millimetre of blood. The count can further decrease in persons who are not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications. Individuals with a count below 200 cells per cubic millimetre are susceptible to various illnesses, which can be fatal.

Why do I need the CD4 Test?

A CD4 test is a must if you have recently been diagnosed with HIV. You will be tested frequently in order to determine the treatment plan and to understand how the medicines are working. Taking the right medications is important as it helps to maintain a good CD4 level that will help prevent serious illnesses.

What happens during the CD4 Test?

A blood sample is taken from your vein in the arm, using a tiny needle. A small quantity of blood is drawn and collected in a test tube. You may feel a slight sting, but this will go away within five minutes. The pathologist will then analyse the sample in a lab.

What is normal CD4?

The CD4 results are measured as per the number of cells per cubic millimetre of blood. The normal range is between 500 to 1,200 cells per cubic millimetre. However, your results may vary depending upon your health or because of the laboratory testing conditions.

Are CD4 and lymphocytes the same?

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells and can be classified as T cells (CD4) and B lymphocytes. They are found in the lymph, blood, and lymphoid tissues and aid in fighting off infections. CD4 is a type of lymphocyte that strengthens the immune response by stimulating other immune cells to ward off infections.

What happens when your CD4 count is very low?

Individuals living with HIV who have a count of over 500 will remain in good health. However, those with a CD4 count below 200 are at a higher risk of developing serious complications. Hence, treatment is recommended for all people who have HIV; especially for those with low CD4 counts. If left untreated, CD4 count will drop further over time, affecting the immune system and making the person at an increased risk of illness.

Does CD4 count fluctuate?

Yes, CD4 count can fluctuate. It may increase or decrease in response to several factors, such as inadequate sleep, exercising, or smoking. But it is important to note that these factors do not make any difference to how your immune system functions in response to an infection. Rather than worrying about these changes, it would be better to monitor trends.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You do not need to make special preparations for a CD4 test. You can engage in all the activities that you otherwise do on a normal day. Exercising 30 minutes before the test can affect the results, so that should be avoided. Also, there are no known side effects of this test.

What is CD4 lymphoma?

CD4 lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in white blood cells. Normally, these cells help the body fight against infections. However, CD4 lymphoma has abnormalities that make them attack the skin, resulting in rashes, scaly patches, and sometimes even tumours on the skin. Treatments can include radiation, chemotherapy, skin creams, and light therapy.

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