Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
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CD4 Concerns
Sep 30, 2001
Dear Dr Pavia,
Over a year ago, I had a CD4 test with the following values:
CD4+ cells (1023)
CD4 percentage (48)
Total lymphs (2150)
I recently had another test, different lab, and in the morning vice afternnon like the first; however, with the same cell normal range (500-1500) with the following values:
CD4+ cells (536)
CD4 percentage (46)
Total lymphs (1100)
I've tested HIV1/2 negative numerous times outside the "window," and my exposure was almost 10 years ago. Should I be concerned? What would you recommend? Thanks in advance and may God bless you and your family.
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Response from Dr. Pavia
We are unable to answer all of the questions about concerns about infection in this forum, but your question brings up some good take home points. CD4 tests cannot and should not be used to determine if someone is infected.
Your second set of numbers, although lower than the first, is completely normal. This variation is common among infected or uninfected persons. This does not make it likely you are infected. HIV antibody tests remain the basic tool for detecting infection most of the time.
There are many conditions which may lead to low CD4 counts or percents in an HIV uninfected person, from lab error, to colds and viral infections, to medication and auto immune disorders. For all these reasons, CD4 counts should never be used as an indirect test for HIV infection.
ATP
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