blood report of hiv positive patient

A complete blood count (CBC) is a panel of tests routinely performed in people living with HIV that measures the composition of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Changes above or below the "normal" range of values may be an early sign of an infection or drug toxicity.

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What does a positive HIV test result mean?

What Does a Positive HIV Test Result Mean? If you have a positive HIV test result, a follow-up test will be conducted. If the follow-up test is also positive, it means you are HIV-positive. If you had a rapid screening test, the testing site will arrange a follow-up test to make sure the screening test result was correct.

What blood tests are done to diagnose HIV?

Complete blood count (CBC) he CBC is the most common blood test that doctors order. It checks levels of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Generally, even people without symptoms of HIV disease should have a CBC test done at least every 6–12 months.

Are there any blood problems associated with HIV?

In people living with HIV who have CD4 counts over 350 cells/mm 3, blood problems such as those described below are not common. In people taking HIV treatment, these problems are rare, with the exception of anaemia, which can be a side-effect of the anti-HIV drug zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir).

How does a CBC Test detect HIV infection?

By doing so, the CBC can identify (and ideally prevent) the development of treatment-related side effects, as well as detect any disorders that may be related to HIV infection. The test itself measures several components or features of your blood, including the white blood cells, the red blood cells, and platelets.

What will your blood test show if you have HIV?

HIV Antibody/Antigen Test. This test looks for HIV antibodies and antigens in the blood. An antigen is a part of a virus that triggers an immune response. If you've been exposed to HIV, antigens will show up in your blood before HIV antibodies are made. This test can usually find HIV within 2–6 weeks of infection.

Can HIV positive have normal CBC?

A regular CBC does not give T-cell counts. Most people with HIV infection get special T-cell tests. However, the results of a CBC are needed to calculate T-cell counts so both tests are done at the same time. Monocytes or Macrophages make up 2-8% of WBCs.

What is WBC count in HIV patients?

Normal: 500–1,200 cells per cubic millimeter. Abnormal: 250–500 cells per cubic millimeter. It means you have a weakened immune system and may be infected with HIV. Abnormal: 200 or fewer cells per cubic millimeter. It indicates AIDS and a high risk of life-threatening opportunistic infections.

What is the normal range of HIV test?

The CD4 count of an adult/adolescent who is generally in good health ranges from 500 to 1,200 cells/mm3. In contrast, if a person has a CD4 count of fewer than 200/mm3, they are considered to have progressed to stage 3 (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV.

How does HIV medicine work?

HIV medicine works by lowering the amount of virus in your body to very low levels. HIV medicine can make the viral load so low that a test can’t detect it (called an undetectable viral load ). HIV medicine slows the progression of HIV and helps protect your immune system.

Why is it important to have an undetectable viral load?

Having an undetectable viral load also helps prevent transmitting the virus to others. For example, if you have an undetectable viral load, you have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex. Learn more about being newly diagnosed with HIV and about protecting others.

What does it mean if a lab test is positive?

If the follow-up test is also positive, it means you have HIV (or are HIV-posi tive). It is important that you start medical care and begin HIV treatment ...

What to do if you have a positive antibody test?

If you use any type of antibody test and have a positive result, you will need another (follow-up) test to confirm your results. If you test in a community testing program or take a self-test and it’s positive, you should go to a health care provider to get follow-up testing. If your test is done in a health care setting or a lab and it’s positive, ...

What are the emotions that people feel when they have HIV?

People can feel many emotions—sadness, hopelessness, or anger. Allied health care providers and social service providers, often available at your health care provider’s office, will have the tools to help you work through the early stages of your diagnosis and begin to manage your HIV. Learn more about living with HIV.

Can you get AIDS if you are HIV positive?

No. Being HIV-positive does not mean you have AIDS. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV disease. HIV can lead to AIDS if a person does not get treatment or take care of their health.

What is the cause of neutropenia?

The most common cause is the anti-HIV drug zidovudine, the anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) drug ganciclovir or drugs used to treat cancers and tumours. People living with HIV often have slightly lower levels of neutrophils than people who don't have HIV, but serious neutropenia is rare among people with CD4 counts above 200.

Why do people with HIV have a decrease in blood cells?

A decrease in blood cells can also be caused by the destruction of cells in the circulation or by bleeding disorders such as haemophilia. The latest news and research on testing & health monitoring. Apart from a decline in CD4 cells, the three most common blood problems among people living with HIV are anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.

What is the term for a shortage of platelets?

Thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia means a shortage of platelets, which are cells that help the blood to clot. People who have thrombocytopenia may bruise very easily or, in serious cases, develop uncontrollable bleeding. HIV can infect the cells in the bone marrow that produce platelets.

How does HIV affect bone marrow?

HIV can damage the bone marrow by infecting its cells directly , or by disrupting levels of natural chemicals (called growth factors) that help bone marrow cells develop. The bone marrow may also be affected by some drugs or the illnesses that can develop if you have a weak immune system (opportunistic infections).

What happens if you have low CD4?

Some of these problems may be caused by damage to the bone marrow. These problems include anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. In people living with HIV who have CD4 counts over 350 cells/mm 3, blood problems such as those described below are ...

What is the best medicine for low neutrophil count?

Alternatively, if the neutrophil count falls very low (below 500) doctors may prescribe G-CSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor), a drug which stimulates the body to produce white blood cells and has been shown to improve neutropenia and reduce the risk of infections.

Why do people with anemia need blood transfusions?

This stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells. People with severe anaemia may need blood transfusions to top up their red blood cells. If the anaemia was caused by taking a drug, after the anaemia has been treated it may be possible to resume taking the drug, this time at a lower dose.

Why is it important to know about HIV?

Why it’s important: For women living with HIV, abnormal cell growth in the cervix is common, and abnormal anal cells are common for both men and women living with HIV. These abnormal cells may become cancerous if they aren’t treated. Why it’s important: Some people who are living with HIV are also coinfected with hepatitis.

Why is it important to get a viral load test?

It’s important to get a viral load test to see the level of HIV in your blood before starting treatment and help guide the choice of HIV medications and then to get repeat tests to track your response to HIV treatment. Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is a measure of the concentration of red blood cells, white blood cells, ...

Why is it important to check for hepatitis?

Why it’s important: Some people who are living with HIV are also coinfected with hepatitis. Checking you for hepatitis A, B, and C infection can help your provider to determine if you need to be treated, or if you are a candidate for one of the existing hepatitis A or B vaccines. (Read more about how hepatitis affects people living with HIV.)

What is the CD4 count of an uninfected adult?

The CD4 count of an uninfected adult/adolescent who is generally in good health ranges from 500 cells/mm 3 to 1,600 cells/mm 3. In contrast, if HIV has destroyed so many CD4 cells that you have a CD4 count of fewer than 200/mm 3, you are considered to have progressed to stage 3 (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV infection. ...

Why is CD4 count important?

Why it’s important: A CD4 count is a good measure of your risk of opportunistic infections and an indicator of how well your immune system is working. Treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART), medications that control the HIV, is recommended for everyone with HIV, no matter how high or low their CD4 count is.

Why are lab tests important?

Lab Tests and Why They Are Important. As part of your HIV care , your provider will order several laboratory tests. The results of these lab tests, along with your physical exam and other information you provide , will help you and your provider work together to develop the best plan to manage your HIV care so that you can get ...

What is a CD4 test?

The lab tests may include: CD4 count: CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell. They are specialized cells of the immune system that are destroyed by HIV. A CD4 count measures how many CD4 cells are in your blood. The higher your CD4 cell count, the healthier your immune system. The CD4 count of an uninfected adult/adolescent who is generally in ...

What does a lab test look for in HIV?

The lab tests look at: how well your immune system is functioning (CD4 count) how rapidly HIV is replicating, or multiplying (viral load) how well your body is functioning (tests to look at your kidneys, liver, cholesterol, and blood cells)

When should you do a lab test for HIV?

whether you have other diseases that are associated with HIV (tests for certain infections) The first set of lab tests ideally is done shortly after you find out you have HIV, and the results establish a starting point or "baseline.".

Can you get tested for HIV if you are on medication?

Laboratory tests can help keep tabs on your health. Some of these tests will be done soon after you learn you are HIV positive. Then depending on your immune status, whether you are on medication or not, and a variety of other factors, your provider will set up a schedule for you.

How to lower your risk of HIV?

To lower your risk of transmitting HIV, Take medicines to treat HIV (antiretroviral therapy or ART) the right way every day so that you achieve and maintain an undectable viral load. Use condoms the right way every time you have sex. Learn the right ways to use a male condom and a female condom.

What does HIV stand for in testing?

HIV testing shows whether a person is infected with HIV. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Learn about what a positive and negative HIV test result mean.

What is the purpose of ART?

ART is the use of HIV medicines to treat HIV infection. People on ART take a combination of HIV medicines every day. ART can keep you healthy for many years and greatly reduces your chance of transmitting HIV to your sex partner (s) if taken the right way, every day.

What happens if you have a positive HIV test?

If you have a positive HIV test result, a follow-up test will be conducted. If the follow-up test is also positive, it means you are HIV-positive. If you had a rapid screening test, the testing site will arrange a follow-up test to make sure the screening test result was correct.

What does a negative HIV test mean?

A negative result doesn't necessarily mean that you don't have HIV. That's because of the window period—the time between when a person gets HIV and when a test can accurately detect it. The window period varies from person to person and is also different depending upon the type of HIV test. Ask your health care provider about ...

What to do if your blood test confirms you are infected with HIV?

If your follow-up test result confirms you are infected with HIV, the next thing is to take steps to protect your health and prevent transmission to others. Begin by talking to your health care provider about antiretroviral therapy (ART).

How long after HIV exposure can you get tested again?

If you get an HIV test within 3 months after a potential HIV exposure and the result is negative, get tested again in 3 more months to be sure. If you learned you were HIV-negative the last time you were tested, you can only be sure you’re still negative if you haven’t had a potential HIV exposure since your last test.

What are the risks of HIV?

Many people living with HIV have an increased amount of fat, or lipids, in their blood. Some lipids are cholesterol and triglycerides. Higher cholesterol levels can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Higher triglycerides can increase the risk of damage to the pancreas (pancreatitis). Your lab report will list the amount of the following lipids in your blood (for the most accurate results, it is best to check lipid levels when you have been fasting): 1 Total cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that circulates in the blood. It is best to keep your total cholesterol level below 200. 2 Low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is "bad" cholesterol, which can clog the arteries. It is best to keep your LDL level below 100 to 130. 3 High-density lipoproteins (HDL). This is "good" cholesterol, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease. It is best to get your HDL level up to at least 40. 4 Triglycerides. After eating, energy that is not needed right away is converted into a substance called triglycerides, which is stored in fat cells. It is best to keep your triglyceride level below 100 to 150.

What does low RBC mean?

A normal HCT for women is 36 to 44 percent and a normal HGB level is 12 to 15 g/dL. A low RBC, HCT, or HGB may mean you have anemia, which can cause you to feel tired. For more information, see our fact sheet on Anemia and Women.

How many red blood cells are there in a woman's blood?

A typical RBC count for women is four to five million red blood cells. Hematocrit (HCT) measures how much of your blood is made up of RBCs, and hemoglobin (HGB) measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is the protein in RBCs that allows them to carry oxygen.

Why is CBC important for HIV?

CBCs are especially important for people living with HIV because some HIV drugs and some infections can cause changes in the number of red or white blood cells.

How does HIV affect blood sugar?

High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can be a sign of diabetes or insulin resistance (when the body does not respond to insulin, a hormone to help control glucose levels). High glucose levels can be a side effect of HIV drugs. Your health care provider can monitor your levels through glucose tests. For the most accurate results, it is best to check blood sugar levels when you have been fasting (not eating or drinking anything but water for about eight hours). For more information, see our fact sheet on Diabetes.

What is the purpose of blood chemistry?

Blood Chemistry. Blood chemistry tests measure certain chemicals in your blood. Results of these tests give your health care provider important information about your general health, how well your organs (such as the liver and kidneys) are working, and whether you may be experiencing side effects from HIV drugs.

What happens when you first get HIV?

When you are first diagnosed with HIV and when you first start taking HIV drugs, you will get "baseline" blood tests that show your health at that moment. Later tests can be compared against these results to see how things are going, and if they are changing.

What is the normal hematocrit for anemia?

Hematocrit refers to the percentage of your blood that consists of red blood cells. A normal hematocrit is about 37-47% in females and 40-54% in males.

What does it mean when your white blood cells are high?

High white blood cell counts may indicate that you are fighting an infection.

What does CBC mean in blood work?

Complete blood count (CBC) This test looks at the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen to other cells in your body. If the level of your red blood cells is too low, you have anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue.

What does it mean to take an anonymous HIV test?

When you take an anonymous HIV test, you get a unique identifier that allows you to get your test results.

Why is it important to disclose your HIV status?

It’s important to disclose your HIV status to your sex or needle-sharing partners even if you’re uncomfortable doing so. Communicating with each other about your HIV status means you can take steps to keep both of you healthy. The more practice you have disclosing your HIV status, the easier it will become.

What happens if you test positive for HIV?

With confidential testing, if you test positive for HIV, the test result and your name will be reported to the state or local health department to help public health officials get better estimates of the rates of HIV in the state.

Can you tell your family you have HIV?

In most cases, your family and friends will not know your test results or HIV status unless you tell them yourself. While telling your family that you have HIV may seem hard, you should know that disclosure has many benefits—telling friends and family can provide an important source of support in managing your HIV.

Can an employer know if you have HIV?

Employers. In most cases, your employer will not know your HIV status unless you tell them. But your employer does have a right to ask if you have any health conditions that would affect your ability to do your job or pose a serious risk to others.

Can you buy a self test?

You can also purchase a self-test if you want to test anonymously. Confidential testing means that your name and other identifying information will be attached to your test results. The results will go in your medical record and may be shared with your health care providers and your health insurance company. Otherwise, the results are protected by ...

Lab Tests and Why They Are Important

Viral Load Test

• One important test is your HIV viral load test. It’s a lab test that measures how many HIV particles are in a sample of your blood. This is called your viral load. You want your viral load to be low. The higher your viral load, the greater your risk of becoming ill because of HIV and the more likely you are to transmit HIV. The viral load is highes...

See more on hiv.gov

CD4 Cell Count

Other Important Lab Tests

Frequency and Timing of Testing