CD4 test: procedure and how to read the result & bull; hello healthy

What is a CD4 test?

The CD4 test is a blood test to determine how well the immune system of a person diagnosed with HIV is (human immunodeficiency virus). This test measures the number of CD4 + cells.

CD4 + cells are a type of white blood cell in the immune system. White blood cells play an important role in fighting infection with germs, one of which is the HIV virus.

This test can determine the number of CD4 + cells in the body. In adults and adolescents, normal CD4 cell counts are 500-1200 cells / mm³.

HIV infection in the body attacks and destroys CD4 + cells. The lower the CD4 + cell count, the stronger the infection from HIV, the weaker the immune condition.

According to studies from Immunological Reviews, a CD4 count that is below normal limits such as 200 cells / mm³indicates a risk of opportunistic infections. This means that HIV infection has progressed to AIDS.

Therefore, the results of this HIV test can help doctors determine the prognosis or progress of HIV disease, monitor patient immunity, and measure how effective the treatment is given.

Apart from HIV / AIDS, this test is also useful for the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma (lymphoma), organ transplants, and DiGeorge syndrome.

When should I take the CD4 test?

This test is usually done with a test viral load for HIV first diagnosed with HIV. These two tests are the basic tests for HIV patients.

The basic examination aims to determine the stage of HIV infection and determine the appropriate HIV treatment.

Even so, calculating a CD4 + count over time is more important than a single count done at one time.

The results of this HIV test will provide more useful information when compared with the results of previous tests.

After the basic examination, further tests will be carried out periodically as treatment progresses and regular medical consultations with the doctor.

The following is the recommended time for HIV patients to do a CD4 cell count:

First diagnosed with HIV
3 months after the first test was done
Once every 3-6 months if ART treatment is delayed
Once every 3-6 months when ART treatment is being carried out routinely for 2 years
Once every 3-6 months if the amount viral load consistently above 200 copies / mL
Once a year if the CD4 + value is consistently above the normal limit (500 cells / mm³)
Occasionally when experiencing new HIV symptoms

Precautions and warnings

Importantly, CD4 counts tend to be lower in the morning and higher at night.

Acute illnesses such as pneumonia, influenza, or herpes simplex virus infection (genital and oral herpes) can cause the cell count to drop temporarily. Likewise with cancer chemotherapy which can reduce the number of these immune cells drastically.

The CD4 count does not always reflect how a person is with HIV disease.

For example, some people with higher CD4 counts often get sick and have complications of HIV.

Conversely, some people with lower numbers may have few medical complications and function well on a daily basis.

CD4 test procedure

What should I do before taking the test?

Before you do this test, you may have the opportunity to have a counseling session.

In this session, the counselor will provide explanation and assistance so that you understand the purpose and procedure of the test. The counselor will also explain the relationship between test results and conditions of HIV infection.

How is the CD4 test process?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
Clean the area to be injected with alcohol.
Inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
Attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
Unbundle your arm when enough blood is drawn
Attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm and will feel tight. You may not feel anything when blood is drawn, or you may feel like you are stung or pinched.

If you have questions related to this test process, please consult your doctor for a better understanding.

CD4 Test Results

CD4 test results for HIV are generally available within 1 to 3 days, depending on the laboratory where the test is performed.

The normal value for CD4 on this list is called the reference range (range) only serves as a guide.

Reference range may vary for each laboratory conducting the test. Private laboratories may have a different CD4 normal value than hospital laboratories.

In addition, your laboratory report will usually contain how much range they use.

Read the results of the examination

If your test results go into range abnormal in this manual, it could be in your laboratory or for your condition the score is assigned to range normal.

Result range normal is indicated by criteria such as:

CD4 counts ranged from 500–1,200 cells / mm³
This normal CD4 count means that the immune system is not significantly affected by HIV infection.
CD4 count greater than 350, less than 500 cells / mm³Shows the immune system is starting to weaken.

As long as HIV patients are on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, the number of these immune cells can increase and begin to stabilize over time.

In the first year of treatment, the number can increase by as much as 50-150 cells / m³. This condition indicates that ARV treatment has had an effective effect.

Meanwhile, range abnormal is indicated by criteria such as:

CD4 count less than 350 cells / mm³Shows a weak immune system and an increased risk of opportunistic infections.
Opportunistic infections are conditions in which HIV patients are susceptible to various infectious diseases such as pneumonia and Candidiasis yeast infections, along with HIV complications.
CD4 count less than 200 cells / mm³Indicates that HIV infection has progressed to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
This indicates the stage or stage where HIV infection has progressed to its last stage. This condition makes the immune system condition decrease.

The test results can give much different results from the previous results, even though there is no change in health conditions.

Therefore, the health worker may be able to run several tests to get some CD4 cell count.

For a comprehensive analysis of results, test results should be evaluated by looking for patterns of increase or decrease in CD4 cells over time.

Your doctor will also check your test results based on your health condition and other factors.

It is important for those of you who are confirmed to have HIV to do this examination. Overall, knowing your CD4 cell count can help you get proper medical care.