HIV viral load should be measured every 3-6 months in individuals receiving ART, or more frequently for those with adherence/persistence difficulties. For adherent patients with consistently suppressed viral load and stable immunologic status for more than 2 years, monitoring can be extended to every 6 months.
HIV serology should be tested upon entry into care if HIV diagnosis has not been confirmed.
CD4 cell count should be measured at entry into care, upon ART initiation or modification, during the first 2 years of ART, if viremia develops while the patient is on ART, or if CD4 count is < 300 cells/mm3. After 2 years on ART with consistently suppressed viral load, CD4 count can usually be measured annually.
Testing for drug resistance is recommended upon entry into care, ART initiation or modification, if ART initiation is delayed, and when treatment failure occurs. For other scenarios in which resistance testing is indicated, see the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents Living with HIV.
Learn more about laboratory testing in the workup and monitoring of HIV.
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Cite this: Michael Stuart Bronze, Nicholas J. Bennett. Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About HIV? - Medscape - May 10, 2021.
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