By: Ann K. Avery, MD, Infectious Disease Physician at MetroHealth Medical Center

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Getting an HIV test is often the first step in knowing your status. If you have HIV, lab tests become a big part of your health journey. They help you and your doctor understand what’s happening in your body and how well your treatment is working.

Knowing what your lab results mean can give you power over your health. 💪 When you understand the numbers, you can make decisions that keep you feeling good and living your best life.

Why lab tests matter

Think of lab tests as your body’s progress reports. They tell you and your care team how strong your immune system is and how well your meds are doing their job. These tests aren’t meant to scare you; they’re tools that guide your doctors so they can help you stay healthy for the long run.

The two most important lab results to know are your CD4 count and your viral load. Let’s break those down.

CD4 count

CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell that help your body fight off infections. A normal CD4 count is usually between 600 and 1,500. The higher the number, the stronger your immune system.

HIV attacks CD4 cells, which is why taking your meds is so important. When you’re on treatment, your CD4 count can stay strong and keep you healthy. But if you skip meds, HIV gets the upper hand and your CD4 numbers can drop. That makes it harder for your body to fight off other sicknesses.

Viral load

Your viral load is the number of HIV copies in your blood. The goal? Get it as low as possible. With daily meds, you can reduce your viral load to the point where it’s “undetectable.” That means the amount of HIV in your blood is so tiny that lab tests can’t find it.

Here’s the best part: undetectable = untransmittable (U=U). Once your viral load has been undetectable for at least six months, you can’t pass HIV to your sexual partners. That’s huge for your health and for your relationships. 💙

More than just CD4 and viral load

While CD4 and viral load are the stars of the show, your doctor may order other tests too. These can check things like:

• Liver and kidney health (to see how your meds are working in your body)
• Cholesterol and glucose levels (to keep track of heart health and diabetes risk)
• Blood pressure and weight (important for overall wellness)

Even though these tests aren’t directly about HIV, they can be really helpful in making sure your whole body stays strong.

When to get an HIV test and labs

First things first: if you don’t know your HIV status yet, the very first thing to do is to take an HIV test. The sooner you know, the sooner you can take action.

Then, if you have HIV, you’ll usually get labs every few months at the start of treatment.

But once your viral load is undetectable and your CD4 is stable, your doctor may space them out to just every six months or so.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you get your results. Your care team is there to explain what the numbers mean and how they affect your health plan. Knowledge = confidence.

Taking charge of your health

Getting an HIV test or labs might not be fun, but they’re worth it. They give you a clear picture of how your body is doing and keep you on track to live a long, healthy life.

So, remember: stay on your meds, show up for your appointments, and keep track of your CD4 and viral load results. With the right info, you can take charge and feel good about your health journey.

Stay connected with Positive Peers

Managing HIV is about more than just doctor visits and lab tests; it’s also about community and support. That’s where Positive Peers comes in. Our app is a safe place where you can connect with others, find helpful info, and feel supported every step of the way. 💬💛

Download the Positive Peers app today to get started!