Forum on Understanding Your Labs: Drop in CD4 Numbers

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		Drop in CD4 Numbers May 3, 2008 I recently got the results of my bloodwork and they have kinda put me in a tailspin. My VL is still undetectable (<75)but my CD4 has droped from 670 to 440. Everyone I have talked including my Dr tells me not to worry unless they continue to decline at the next set of blood tests. Is this kind of drop something that could be expected from time to time and nothing to get over concerned about?


		Response from Dr. Holodniy You need a couple more pieces of information. First, what was your CD4 percent? If it did not change (or by < 3%), then it is not significant. Second, what were your total white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts? If they went down and your CD4 percent stayed the same, that could account for the reduction. Finally, did you have any kind of cold or flu while you had the test? That could affect the numbers. I agree with your doctor and agree with the plan.

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