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What labs are the most important to follow for a patient with HIV?
The 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.
What labs should the nurse monitor for an HIV positive patient?
What follows are descriptions of the most common tests:CD4 count.HIV viral load.Resistance test.HLA B*5701.Complete blood count.Blood chemistry tests.Fasting lipid profile.Tuberculosis test.More items...•
What laboratory tests would you need to perform to assess possible HIV infection?
There are three types of tests available: nucleic acid tests (NAT), antigen/antibody tests, and antibody tests. HIV tests are typically performed on blood or oral fluid. They may also be performed on urine. A NAT looks for the actual virus in the blood and involves drawing blood from a vein.
What types of tests can be used to determine if a patient has HIV?
ELISA Test ELISA, which stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is used to detect HIV infection. If an ELISA test is positive, the Western blot test is usually administered to confirm the diagnosis. If an ELISA test is negative, but you think you may have HIV, you should be tested again in one to three months.
What are baseline lab tests?
A baseline blood test measures your levels of essential vitamins and minerals key to health such as vitamin D, vitamin B12 and ferritin (iron). This will help identify whether your diet is providing the right nutrients.
What is p24 test?
p24 test uses monoclonal antibodies. When p24 antigen is present it sticks to the antibody and the enzyme linked antibody causes a color change. The test is generally positive from about 1–3 wk following infection.
What is Western blot test?
The Western blot test separates the blood proteins and detects the specific proteins (called HIV antibodies) that indicate an HIV infection. The Western blot is used to confirm a positive ELISA, and the combined tests are 99.9% accurate.
What kinds of tests are available, and how do they work?
There are three types of tests available: nucleic acid tests (NAT), antigen/antibody tests, and antibody tests. HIV tests are typically performed o...
How long does it take to get results?
Laboratory tests (NATand antigen/antibody) require blood to be drawn from your vein into a tube and then that blood is sent to a laboratory for tes...
How soon after an exposure to HIV can a test detect if I have the virus?
No HIV test can detect HIV immediately after infection. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, talk to your health care prov...
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 highest during the acute (early) phase of HIV, and when a p…
CD4 Cell Count
- A CD4 cell countmeasures how many CD4 cells are in your blood. CD4 cells are infection-fighting cells of the immune system. As HIV disease advances, your CD4 count drops. The higher your CD4 cell count, the healthier your immune system. 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 …
Frequency and Timing of Testing
- After you start HIV treatment, not all lab tests will be conducted at every medical visit. Some will occur every few months. Others will depend on whether you are stable on HIV treatment and doing well. View this chartabout the timing of various tests and talk to your provider about what is recommended for you.
Diagnosis
- HIVcan be diagnosed through blood or saliva testing. Available tests include: 1. Antigen/antibody tests. These tests usually involve drawing blood from a vein. Antigens are substances on the HIV virus itself and are usually detectable — a positive test — in the blood within a few weeks after exposure to HIV.Antibodies are produced by your immune sy...
Treatment
- Currently, there's no cure for HIV/AIDS. Once you have the infection, your body can't get rid of it. However, there are many medications that can control HIV and prevent complications. These medications are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). Everyone diagnosed with HIV should be started on ART, regardless of their stage of infection or complications. ART is usually a combina…
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Along with receiving medical treatment, it's essential to take an active role in your own care. The following suggestions may help you stay healthy longer: 1. Eat healthy foods.Make sure you get enough nourishment. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein help keep you strong, give you more energy and support your immune system. 2. Avoid raw meat, eggs and mo…
Alternative Medicine
- People who are infected with HIV sometimes try dietary supplements that claim to boost the immune system or counteract side effects of anti-HIVdrugs. However, there is no scientific evidence that any nutritional supplement improves immunity, and many may interfere with other medications you're taking. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements or alter…
Coping and Support
- Receiving a diagnosis of any life-threatening illness is devastating. The emotional, social and financial consequences of HIV/AIDScan make coping with this illness especially difficult — not only for you but also for those closest to you. But today, there are many services and resources available to people with HIV. Most HIV/AIDSclinics have social workers, counselors or nurses wh…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- If you think you might have HIV infection, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. You may be referred to an infectious disease specialist — who additionally specializes in treating HIV/AIDS.