Blood work:
A complete guide for monitoring HIV

May 2007     View PDF     En español

Other tests that may be done

The following tests are considered routine in people living with HIV, but do not need to be done as often as CD4+ cell counts and viral load tests.

PPD Skin Test and Chest X-rays:
A PPD tests the skin to detect an earlier exposure to tuberculosis (TB). If you’ve been exposed, the PPD causes a bump to appear within several days at the site of the test. A positive or inconclusive PPD is followed up by a chest x-ray and sputum culture to determine active TB disease.

Pap Smears:
Women should have a cervical Pap smear done at least once every three years. Women living with HIV should talk about when and how often they should get a Pap test done with their doctors, as they may recommend more regular tests based upon your health and risk factors. If the results are abnormal, follow up with other types of tests may be needed. To take a Pap test, your healthcare provider uses a “Pap stick” or cotton swab to take one or more samples of cells from the cervix and cervical canal. You may feel a slight scraping sensation. The process may be uncomfortable but usually not painful. It may hurt if there is inflammation and sensitivity in the area. For more information about HIV and GYN exams, read Project Inform’s publications, Gynecological Conditions and HIV Disease and Positive? How Are You Feeling?

Anal Pap:
This test can be done in the anus to look for damage caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). High rates of anal HPV occur in HIV-positive men and women, including those who do not report having anal intercourse. For this reason it’s important that all HIV-positive people have an anal Pap. If the results are abnormal, more tests may be needed.

Hepatitis Serology:
As stated before, liver function tests can show hepatitis infection. Other tests can be done to find antibodies to hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV)—diseases that affect the liver. These tests should be done after first learning your HIV status, if you have not been tested before. Learn about how to protect yourself from getting HBV and HCV if you have not been exposed to them. There is a vaccine to prevent HBV infection. For more on hepatitis and other liver problems, read Project Inform’s publications, Towards a Healthy Liver and Hepatitis C.

Toxoplasmosis Serology (IgG):
This test may be done to detect antibodies to the toxoplasmosis (toxo) organism. Toxo can cause problems in the brain and central nervous system. A positive test result may help to decide on preventive therapy. The test is usually done when people first find out their HIV status. That way, if they’re negative for toxo, they can take precautions to prevent contact with it. For more information, read the publication, Toxoplasmosis.