Counting CD4 cells (cells that help the immune system fight infection) helps to determine the status of a person's immune system. The average CD4 count in a healthy adult is 1,150. The CD4 count for a person diagnosed with AIDS is less than 200. Cell counts are used to indicate the possibility of opportunistic infections and the type of treatment that should be used.
HIV attaches itself to an antigen, CD4, on the surface of certain lymphocytes (CD4 cells), which have an important role in the body's immune system. Cells infected with HIV are destroyed by other lymphocytes (see cytotoxicity) or other processes, so the CD4 cell count is low in untreated PWA's infected with HIV. In PWA's on antiviral therapy the CD4 cell count shows how effective treatment is in destroying the virus.
A blood test that is used to assess the state of the immune system. It is used to monitor HIV infection.
The number of CD4 cells in a microliter of blood. The normal range for CD4 cell counts is 500 to 1500 per cubic milliliter of blood.
A test to evaluate the immune system. Specifically, this count measures the number of immune system cells (eg, T lymphocytes and monocytes) that have CD4 receptors. The count is determined by a blood test and measured by the number of CD4 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Normal CD4 counts range from 800-1,500 cells/mm³ (athough this range varies among experts). According to the CDC, a CD4 count at or below 200 cells/mL is an AIDSdefining condition.
The measurement of CD4 cells per cubic millimeter (about a teaspoon) in your blood.
Also called the CD4 lymphocyte count, this is the most commonly used surrogate marker for assessing the state of the immune system. As the CD4 cell count declines, the risk of developing opportunistic infections increases. The normal range for CD4 cell counts is 800 to 1500 per cubic millimeter of blood.
The most commonly used surrogate marker for assessing the state of the immune system. As CD4 cell count declines, the risk of developing opportunistic infections increases. The normal range for CD4 cell counts is 500 to 1500 per cubic millimeter of blood. CD4 count should be rechecked at least every six to twelve months if CD4s are greater than 500/mm3. If the count is lower, testing every three months is advised.