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 > 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 < 350 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.
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 - Jun 01, 2023.
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