CD4 cells are part of the immune system. Over time, HIV kills CD4 cells, making the immune system weaker. A person’s CD4 cell count shows the strength or weakness of the immune system. Viral load is the amount of HIV in a person’s blood. Over time, without treatment, the viral load of a person living with HIV gets higher. HIV treatment with HAART (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy) usually lowers the viral load. When the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that blood tests cannot find it, it is called an undetectable viral load. A person with an undetectable viral load is less likely to get sick but still has HIV and can pass the virus to others.
CD4 cell count tests and viral load tests give people with HIV and their doctors important information about a person’s HIV infection and immune system strength. These tests help show whether a person should consider taking medicines for opportunistic infections and/or medicines to fight HIV (HAART). They also show how well HAART is working. People with HIV should have a CD4 cell count test and a viral load test done at least every six months. If they are taking HAART, these tests should be done at least every four months.
New York State laboratories automatically give the results of these tests and drug resistance tests to the State Department of Health. The reporting process is very secure and confidential. Getting these test results will help the State Department of Health track the quality of health care for people with HIV; find out about drug-resistant strains of HIV in the community; and better track the epidemic to plan prevention, health care, and support services.
