Question 1

What is HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

HIV/AIDS is a chronic condition where the Human Immunodeficiency Virus attacks and destroys CD4+ T cells, progressively weakening the immune system until it can no longer fight infections. It is caused by the HIV retrovirus, which specifically targets and replicates within CD4+ immune cells. The Lymphocyte Subset Panel 4 (CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile) is the most important test for monitoring HIV/AIDS progression and immune system health.

Question 2

What causes HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

HIV/AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a retrovirus that specifically targets and destroys CD4+ T cells, which are crucial white blood cells that coordinate your immune response. The virus enters CD4 cells, uses them to replicate, and then destroys them, progressively weakening your immune system over time. When your CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter or you develop certain opportunistic infections, HIV progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), leaving your body unable to defend itself against infections and cancers.

Question 3

What is the best test for HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

The Lymphocyte Subset Panel 4 (CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile) is the most important test for monitoring HIV/AIDS because it measures your CD4+ cell count, CD8+ cell levels, and the CD4:CD8 ratio, which are the primary indicators of immune system strength and disease progression. A healthy CD4 count is typically 500-1,500 cells per cubic millimeter, while HIV infection causes this number to drop, and the CD4:CD8 ratio becomes inverted from the normal 2:1 range. Additional supporting tests include Beta-2 Microglobulin to assess disease progression, Immune Cell Function tests to evaluate how well your T cells are working, and Total Protein levels to monitor your immune response. These tests work together to help your healthcare provider determine when to start treatment and how well your therapy is working.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have engaged in unprotected sexual contact, shared needles or injection equipment, received a blood transfusion before 1992, or have a sexual partner with HIV. Additionally, get tested if you experience unexplained persistent fever, night sweats, rapid unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea, white spots in your mouth, or unusual infections that keep coming back. Regular testing is recommended annually for sexually active adults, and every 3-6 months for those at higher risk. Early detection through testing allows for immediate treatment, which can preserve your immune system and help you live a long, healthy life.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

HIV symptoms vary by stage but often include flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after infection, such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash, muscle aches, and fatigue. As the virus progresses and your immune system weakens, you might experience persistent fever, chronic diarrhea lasting more than a week, rapid weight loss, extreme fatigue, white spots or unusual lesions in your mouth, recurring infections, night sweats, and skin rashes or bumps. In advanced AIDS, symptoms include severe opportunistic infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections, certain cancers, and neurological problems. Many people have no symptoms for years, which is why regular testing is essential if you have risk factors.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who engages in unprotected sexual activity with multiple partners or a partner whose HIV status is unknown is at risk for HIV/AIDS. People who inject drugs and share needles or syringes face significantly increased risk, as do men who have sex with men, though heterosexual transmission accounts for most infections worldwide. Additional risk factors include having other sexually transmitted infections (which create entry points for HIV), receiving unscreened blood transfusions (rare in the US since 1992), healthcare workers exposed to needle sticks, and babies born to HIV-positive mothers who did not receive treatment during pregnancy. Having multiple sexual partners, exchanging sex for drugs or money, and having a history of sexual assault also increase risk.

Question 7

What happens if HIV/AIDS is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated HIV progressively destroys your immune system, typically advancing to AIDS within 8-10 years, though this varies among individuals. As your CD4 count drops, you become vulnerable to opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, and fungal infections that a healthy immune system would easily fight off. You also face increased risk of certain cancers including Kaposi sarcoma, lymphomas, and cervical cancer. Without treatment, AIDS leads to severe weight loss (wasting syndrome), neurological complications including dementia and nerve damage, kidney and liver disease, and eventually death from overwhelming infections. However, modern antiretroviral therapy can stop HIV progression completely, allowing people with HIV to live normal lifespans and preventing transmission to partners.

Question 8

Can HIV/AIDS be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

HIV infection itself is diagnosed with specific HIV antibody and antigen tests, while blood tests monitor immune system health and disease progression in people living with HIV/AIDS. The CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile blood test is essential for monitoring how HIV is affecting your immune system by measuring CD4+ T cell counts, which directly indicate immune strength. Additional blood tests like Beta-2 Microglobulin track disease progression, while viral load tests (which measure the amount of HIV in your blood) determine how well treatment is working. Regular blood testing every 3-6 months is standard for HIV-positive individuals to guide treatment decisions and catch any problems early.

Question 9

How is HIV/AIDS treated?

Accepted Answer

HIV/AIDS is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of HIV medications daily to suppress the virus and prevent it from replicating. Modern ART regimens typically combine three or more drugs from different classes that attack HIV at various stages of its lifecycle, reducing viral load to undetectable levels and allowing your CD4 count to recover. With consistent treatment, people with HIV can achieve an undetectable viral load, which means they cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners and can maintain a healthy immune system. Treatment also includes preventive medications for opportunistic infections when CD4 counts are low, regular monitoring through blood tests, vaccinations to prevent other infections, and management of side effects and other health conditions.

Question 10

How can I prevent HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent HIV by using condoms correctly every time you have sex, limiting your number of sexual partners, and knowing your partners HIV status through regular testing. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication that reduces HIV risk by more than 90% for high-risk individuals, while post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent infection if taken within 72 hours of potential exposure. Never share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment, and use clean needles from needle exchange programs if you inject drugs. Get tested and treated for other STIs, which increase HIV transmission risk, avoid excessive alcohol and drug use that impairs judgment about safe sex, and if you are HIV-positive, take your antiretroviral medications consistently to reach an undetectable viral load, which prevents transmission.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my health with HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

Supporting your health at home with HIV/AIDS starts with taking your antiretroviral medications exactly as prescribed, never missing doses, as consistent treatment is crucial for keeping the virus suppressed. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support your immune system, and stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Get regular moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga to maintain strength and reduce stress, and prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these weaken your immune system further. Practice good hygiene including regular handwashing, avoid raw or undercooked foods that could carry infections, and reduce stress through meditation, counseling, or support groups. Stay connected with your healthcare team, attend all appointments, and get recommended vaccines to prevent other infections.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HIV/AIDS Blood Test & Immune Monitoring

What is HIV/AIDS?

What causes HIV/AIDS?

What is the best test for HIV/AIDS?

When should I get tested for HIV/AIDS?

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