CD4

Contents:

• Medical Video: What is CD4 count | CD4 काउंट क्या है | Doctors Hostel
  

Medical Video: What is CD4 count | CD4 काउंट क्या है | Doctors Hostel

Definition

What is CD4?

A CD4 + test is a blood test to determine how well the immune system works in people who have been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). CD4 + is a type of white blood cell. White blood cells play an important role in fighting infections. CD4 + cells are also called T-lymphocytes, T cells, or T-helper cells.

HIV infects CD4 + cells. CD4 + cell counts help determine whether other infections (opportunistic infections) can occur. The pattern of CD4 + counts over time is more important than a single CD4 + value because the value can change from day to day. The CD4 + pattern over time shows the effects of viruses on the immune system. In people infected with HIV and not getting treatment, the CD4 + number generally decreases with the passage of HIV. Low CD4 + levels usually indicate a weakened immune system and a higher risk of opportunistic infections.

When should I take CD4?

This test is usually done with a viral load test when a person is first diagnosed with HIV as part of a basic measurement. Usually repeated about two to eight weeks after anti-HIV treatment is started or changed. When routine treatment is carried out, this test must be carried out every three to four months thereafter.

Prevention & warning

What should I know before undergoing CD4?

CD4 counts tend to be lower in the morning and higher at night. Acute diseases such as pneumonia, influenza, or herpes simplex virus infection, can cause CD4 cell counts to decrease temporarily. Cancer chemotherapy can dramatically reduce CD4 count.

CD4 counts do not always reflect how a person has HIV disease. For example, some people with higher CD4 counts often fall ill and experience complications, and some people with lower CD4 counts can have only a few medical complications and their daily functioning is good.

Process

What should I do before undergoing CD4?

Before you do this test, you may have the opportunity to meet a counselor so that you understand the purpose of the test results with the condition of your HIV infection.

How is the CD4 process?

The medical personnel who are in charge of taking your blood will take the following steps:

• wrap elastic bands around your upper arm to stop the blood flow. This makes the blood vessels under the bond enlarge making it easier to inject needles into the vessels
• clean the part to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be needed.
• attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
• remove the ties from your arms when taking blood is enough
• attach gauze or cotton to the injected part, after the injection is finished
• put pressure on the part and then put on a bandage

What should I do after undergoing CD4?

Elastic ties are wrapped around your upper arm and will feel tight. You may not feel anything when injected, or you may feel like being stung or pinched.

If you have questions relating to the process of this test, consult your doctor for a better understanding.

Explanation of Test Results

What do the test results mean?

The results of CD4 + cell tests are generally available in 1 to 3 days, depending on the laboratory. Normal scores on this list (called references range) only serves as a guide. Range this varies from one laboratory to another, and your laboratory may have a different normal score. Your laboratory report will usually contain how many range they use. Your doctor will also check your test results based on your health condition and other factors. This means if your test results go into range abnormal in this guide, it could be in your laboratory or for your condition the score is included to range normal.

When CD4 + levels decrease, the tendency to develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) may occur.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.