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cd4+ cells

overview

a cd4+ count is a blood test to see how well the immune system is working in people who have been diagnosed with hiv. cd4+ cells are a type of white blood cell. white blood cells are important in fighting infections. cd4+ cells are also called t-lymphocytes, t-cells, or t-helper cells.

hiv infects cd4+ cells. the number of cd4+ cells helps determine whether other infections (opportunistic infections) may occur. if hiv isn't treated, cd4+ counts generally go down as hiv gets worse. in most cases, a low cd4+ count means you have a weakened immune system and a higher chance of getting opportunistic infections.

why is a cd4+ count done?

cd4+ counts are done to:

  • keep track of how the hiv infection is affecting your immune system.
  • help diagnose aids. if you don't get treatment, hiv infection can progress to aids.
  • check to see if you're at risk for other infections (opportunistic infections).
  • decide whether to start treatment to prevent opportunistic infections, such as medicines to prevent pneumocystis pneumonia.

how often your cd4+ count is checked depends on your treatment, your health, and your prior cd4+ count results.

credits

current as of: may 13, 2023

author: healthwise staff
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