Blood Tests (“Labs”) 1

“Labs” Regular blood tests are a crucial part of HIV health care. They are often referred to as “bloods” or “labs” Several important tests should be done at regular intervals (at least every four months): Complete Blood Count (CBC) Chemistry Screen (Chem Screen) Lipid Panel CD4 Count Viral Load 2

Complete Blood Count (CBC) CBC is an inventory of the different cellular components of the blood: Red Blood Cells White Blood Cells Platelets PLWH may have low blood cell counts due to chronic HIV infection or as a side effect of medications. Most experts recommend that a CBC should be done at least every 3-4 months. 3

White Blood Cells (WBCs) White blood cells carry out the body’s immune responses. The CBC looks at numbers of various different types of white blood cells. 4

Viral Load Measures the amount of HIV RNA (genetic material) in the blood. HIV RNA indicates that the virus is actively replicating (multiplying). Along with the T-cell count, viral load helps predict HIV disease progression, and to gauge when HIV treatment is indicated and how well it is working. A viral load of 100,000 copies/mL or greater is considered high; below 10,000 copies/mL is considered low. 5

Resistance Testing Useful to determine which ARV’s are likely to be effective and/or whether a medication is failing Recommended when a person is first diagnosed, if possible Also used after beginning HAART, and if viral load has been suppressed but is increasing 6

Other tests PPD (purified protein derivative) – tuberculosis (annual) RPR (rapid plasma reagin) – syphilis (annual) Hepatitis antibodies: A & B – one time if no current risk; if negative, consider vaccination C – annually Pap smear – women (every 6 months) and men (annually) 7

H OW OFTEN ? 3-6 monthsAnnuallyOther CD4PPD Hep A & B (1x) (consider vaccine) Viral loadHep C HPV Vaccine* 3-dose series (girls and women 13-26) CBCRPR Chem PanelResistance Lipids & sugar Flu shot* Pneumovax* (5-10 yrs) PAP smear *not a test, but strongly recommended