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Ask the Experts about AIDS-Related Cancers
Check list for good medical care?
Jul 18, 2003
Hi, I want to make sure that I get the best medical care possible, so I just wondered if there is some check list of things, including signs of cancers, that should be monitored/checked in a 'standard' HIV+ person (I'm 30 years old, on combination therapy and otherwise in good health). Obviously, I my doctor takes the standard blood tests (viral load using very sensitive tests ('undectable' is below 20 copies), CD4 counts and percentages, lipid levels etc. etc.), but is there any other tests/examinations that you would consider part of (very) good medical care? Thanks in advance.
Response from Dr. Dezube
There is no univeral accepted check lists for good medical care, but various health agencies have published their own versions. You don't state your sex-- recommendations vary according to the sex.
Here are just some thought. This just represents a start.
CD4 and viral load
Lipid studies (triglyceride and cholesterol), glucose, liver and kidney function tests
Hepatitis A, B, and C status-- (if you were to be Hepatitis A or B negative, then vaccination would be recommended)
Check stool for blood
Pelvic examination (female) including PAP smear;
Anal PAP smear for men
Routine immunization (Tetanus/Deptheria)
Tuberculosis testing (PPD testing)
Toxoplasmsis status
Discussion about mental health
Discussion about seat belts, smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs
Depending upon age Mammograms and Colonoscopy
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