Why does my medical team not test my viral count?

[Memprys]

I tested POZ a few weeks ago and began meeting with my team on August 6.  On my second visit I asked why the t-cell count wasn't part of my initial blood work.  My doctor (an infections disease specialist who otherwise impressed me as very competent) said that it was there... and then pointed to my CD-4 count (which is 13!).  Did I misunderstand something?

[evilqueerpig]

Viral Load is the amount of the virus in your system and you didn't mention a count for that.  CD-4 is your t-cell count and 13 is seriously low.  Sounds to me that you're not only POZ, but Full Blown!  Congrats!

[Memprys]

Thanks!  I'm taking Biktarvy now so I hope to retreat from full-blown AIDS before next year.  But that's what I mean about my bloodwork.  They haven't tested my t-cell count at all since I was assigned to them!  I have a local doctor who isn't affiliated with them at all (I live in West Virginia, so they're two hours away) and I'm going to ask him tomorrow for a t-cell count.

Edited September 22, 2019 by Memprys

[Guest]

A thorough testing regimen will always include both t-cells and viral loads. Not only just your t-cells but your t-cell percentage. The bloodwork that I have done every four months is comprehensive. Yours should be too. PM me if you have any questions. 

[Memprys]

I think I've confused t-cell count with viral loads.  I apologize; this is all very new to me.  My question, then, is why my team didn't measure my viral load.   

[Pozlover1]

The VL costs more. As a long time undetectable, stable, on meds, they check the whole panel once a year with a followup Doctor visit. At six months they do the CD4 only, no visit if it looks OK. These are guidelines to keep insurance costs down. Maybe in your case with a CD4 of 13, the VL is assumed to be very high. 

People have come back from a CD4 of one. 

[Guest]

52 minutes ago, Pozlover1 said:

The VL costs more. As a long time undetectable, stable, on meds, they check the whole panel once a year with a followup Doctor visit. At six months they do the CD4 only, no visit if it looks OK. These are guidelines to keep insurance costs down. Maybe in your case with a CD4 of 13, the VL is assumed to be very high. 

People have come back from a CD4 of one. 

was a 2 cd4 in icu and came back from it   also sent me home at 5 cd4  count

[scott0882]

Congrats on testing poz. 

[cfuckhole]

They probably didn't test ur VL coz at such low cd4 count and being full blown, it will be in the range of million.... kinda pointless