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HIV Monitoring Panel ( Viral Load & CD Counts )

₹12,000 ₹6,999

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Also Known As

#1) HIV Monitoring Package #2) HIV Viral Load and CD Counts Panel #3) HIV Follow-up Panel #4) HIV-1 Quantitative PCR and T-Cell Subsets #5) AIDS Monitoring Panel #6) HIV Treatment Efficacy Panel #7) HIV/AIDS Disease Progression Panel #8) Retroviral Monitoring Profile #9) Viral Load and CD4/CD8 Count Test #10) HIV Therapy Monitoring Test #11) HIV-1 RNA PCR and Lymphocyte Subsets #12) T-Lymphocyte Subsets and Viral Load #13) HIV Immunological and Virological Markers #14) Comprehensive HIV Panel #15) HIV-1 Viral Quantification and CD Markers #16) HIV Disease Activity Panel #17) AIDS Virological and Immunological Assessment #18) HIV Response to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Panel #19) P24 Antigen & Antibody and HIV Viral Load and CD4/CD8 Count Test #20) HIV Stage Monitoring Panel

Test Parameters Included

HIV-1 RNA Viral Load (Quantitative) PCR, WB-EDTA PLASMA
Specimen Type: WB-EDTA PLASMA
Methodology: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Significance: Measures the amount of HIV virus in the blood.
CD3/CD4/CD8/CD45
Specimen Type: EDTA / Heparin Whole Blood, BMA
Methodology: Flow Cytometry (FCM)
Significance: Measures the number of different types of T-lymphocytes (CD4, CD8) to assess immune system health.

Department

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Methodology

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), Flow Cytometry (FCM)

Sample Required

EDTA / Heparin Whole Blood, BMA (Bone Marrow Aspirate)

Preparation

#1) No Fasting Required: Generally, this test does not require a patient to fast. #2) Inform the Doctor: Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all current medications, especially Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) drugs, as these can significantly impact the results. #3) Avoid Supplements: Avoid taking high doses of biotin (Vitamin B7) supplements for at least 24-48 hours before the blood draw, as it can sometimes interfere with certain lab assays. #4) Schedule Appropriately: For monitoring treatment efficacy, the test is often scheduled at specific time points (e.g., 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and every 3-6 months) after starting or changing ART, as determined by the physician. #5) Remain Hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water before the blood draw to ensure smooth sample collection. #6) Follow Doctor's Instructions: Always adhere to any specific instructions given by the referring physician regarding the timing and preparation for this test.

Schedule Report

24-48 Hours

Emergency Report

Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Viral Load and CD Count?

The Viral Load measures how much active HIV is in your blood (virologic status), while the CD Count (specifically CD4) measures the strength of your immune system (immunologic status).

Why are both tests necessary?

Both are crucial because the viral load shows if the treatment is working (lowering the virus), and the CD count shows if the immune system is recovering and how vulnerable you are to infections.

What does an 'undetectable' viral load mean?

It means the amount of HIV in the blood is too low for the current test to measure. It is the goal of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and indicates that the patient is effectively treated and cannot transmit the virus sexually (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Is an undetectable viral load the same as being cured?

No. While the virus is suppressed, it is not completely eradicated from the body's latent reservoirs. A person must continue taking ART to keep the viral load suppressed.

What is a "good" CD4 count?

A CD4 count of 500 cells/mm³ or higher is generally considered good, indicating a strong immune system.

What does a CD4 count below 200 mean?

A count below 200 cells/mm³ means the immune system is severely compromised. This stage is officially classified as AIDS, and prophylaxis against opportunistic infections is often required.

Do I need to fast for this test?

No, generally fasting is not required for the HIV Monitoring Panel.

How often should this panel be done?

The frequency is determined by your doctor, but typically it's done at baseline, then a few weeks after starting/changing ART, and then every 3 to 6 months while on stable treatment.

What is the significance of the CD4:CD8 ratio?

A ratio less than 1.0 is common in HIV. An increasing ratio towards the normal range of >1.0 is a sign of long-term immune recovery.

Can medications other than ART affect the results?

Yes, certain supplements (like high-dose biotin) or chemotherapy can potentially affect the results, so you must inform your doctor about all medications.

What should I do if my Viral Load is rising?

A rising viral load (virologic failure) requires a discussion with your doctor, who may recommend adherence counseling or HIV Genotype Resistance Testing to change the ART regimen.

What is Flow Cytometry used for?

Flow Cytometry is the specific technology used to count the different types of cells, such as the CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocytes, accurately.

How is the sample collected?

A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm by a trained phlebotomist.

Is this test used for initial HIV diagnosis?

No, this test is primarily used for monitoring known HIV infection. Initial diagnosis is typically done with a 4th Generation HIV Ag/Ab screening test, confirmed by a differentiation assay.

Does this panel detect HIV-2?

The Viral Load test in this panel is typically specific for HIV-1 RNA. Separate, specific testing would be required to quantify HIV-2.

Test Description

HIV Monitoring Panel (Viral Load & CD Counts) Examination Symptoms / Indications Monitoring HIV-1 infection and disease progression. Determining...

Test Code

PH8

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