Blood work:
Two common tests to use for
monitoring HIV disease

January 2008     View PDF     En español

Two of the most common tests that you and your doctor will use to monitor your health are CD4+ cell counts and viral load tests. CD4+ cell counts indicate the state of your immune system—your body’s defense against disease. Viral load tests indicate how active HIV is. Coupled with information about how you’re feeling, these two values give a clearer picture of your state of health. They also help to assess your risk of disease progression and response to anti-HIV therapy that you may be taking. This publication explains these two tests in detail and how the information can be used to inform you and your doctor when making decisions about your health care.