Understanding Viral Load & CD4 Count

Key markers for HIV monitoring and treatment success

Viral Load

Viral load measures the amount of HIV virus in your blood. It's expressed as copies of HIV RNA per milliliter of blood (copies/mL).

What the Numbers Mean:
  • Undetectable: <50 copies/mL (GOAL)
  • Low: 50-10,000 copies/mL
  • Moderate: 10,000-100,000 copies/mL
  • High: >100,000 copies/mL
Why It Matters:
  • Tracks treatment effectiveness
  • Predicts disease progression
  • Indicates transmission risk
  • Guides treatment decisions

CD4 Count

CD4 count measures the number of CD4+ T-cells (immune cells that HIV attacks) in your blood, expressed as cells per cubic millimeter (cells/mm³).

What the Numbers Mean:
  • Normal: 500-1,600 cells/mm³
  • Good: 350-500 cells/mm³
  • Moderate Risk: 200-350 cells/mm³
  • AIDS Diagnosis: <200 cells/mm³
Why It Matters:
  • Measures immune system strength
  • Determines when to start treatment
  • Assesses AIDS risk
  • Monitors treatment response

Testing Schedule & Monitoring

When Just Diagnosed:
  • Baseline viral load & CD4 test immediately
  • Repeat tests 2-4 weeks after starting ART
  • Monitor every 1-2 months until stable
When Stable on Treatment:
  • Viral load test every 3-6 months
  • CD4 count test every 3-6 months
  • More frequent if viral load detectable

Our Viral Load Management Services

  • We Manage Your Viral Load Regular monitoring and treatment optimization to achieve and maintain undetectable status
  • We Improve Your CD4 Count Personalized treatment plans to rebuild your immune system strength
  • Regular Testing Coordination We arrange and track your viral load and CD4 testing schedule
  • Treatment Adjustment Modify medications if viral load becomes detectable or CD4 drops

Don't Let Anxiety Control You

Need help managing your viral load and CD4 count?

Start Your Care Journey Book an Appointment