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Ask the Experts about Understanding Your Labs
My first numbers
Jul 27, 2008
I am 25 and I tested positive for HIV 6 weeks ago, and just received my first test results. My CD4+ cell count was 531 and my viral load was 11,254. My doctor said that these were pretty good, and that he does not want to start me on any medications.
I am just unsure of how "good" these numbers are. I read that a normal person who doesn't have HIV has a CD4+ cell count between 500 and 1200. Is it possible that my numbers can go up without medication? Also, what is considered an "undetectable" viral load?
Thanks for your time.
Response from Dr. Holodniy
I agree with your doctor. Unlikely that your numbers will go up any further. Undetectable is < 40 or 50 copies/mL of blood.
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