Lymphocyte Subset (CD4 % Absolute Count)

Lymphocyte subset/CD4 count is a blood test that measures the number of CD4 cells in a sample of your blood. CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell. They're also called CD4 T lymphocytes or "helper T cells." That's because they help fight infection by triggering your immune system to destroy viruses, bacteria, and other germs that may make you sick.

Measuring the CD4 count gives an indication of how much the infection is progressed in the body and presents an overall picture of the disease status.

1. The CD4 count test along with HIV viral load test is used as a predictive test to estimate if the disease will progress rapidly over time
2. Prophylaxis may be needed in some individuals to prevent opportunistic infections. The CD4 count test can help determine how quickly one needs to be put on ART treatment.
3. It helps monitor the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy

For a HIV positive patient, a CD4 count may be used to:

• See how HIV is affecting your immune system
• Help check how well HIV treatment is working
• Diagnose AIDS

The CD4 test is used in conjunction with the HIV viral load test that allows the doctor to tailor a treatment plan for an individual.

A CD4 count may also be used to:

• Monitor treatment after an organ transplant
• Help diagnose different types of lymphoma
• Help diagnose DiGeorge syndrome

CD4 cells or T Cells are also called as T Lymphocytes. They are white blood cells that play an important role in the body’s immune system function. The CD4 cells are produced in the thymus gland. The cells circulate in the blood and lymphatic system and helps the body actively fight infections. In an HIV infection, the virus specifically targets the CD4 cells, enter these cells and replicates within the cells leading to destruction of the CD4 cells. When HIV is undiagnosed and untreated, the CD4 levels drop so low over the years that symptoms of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) start to appear.

CD4 Lymphocyte Count, T4 test, T-helper cells test