Blood test names

[kentfrat1783]

Hi,

I have been trying to look on my bloodwork chart for my viral load and didn't know what the technical term for it was called. 

The hospital I go too allows me to login to view all of my bloodwork results and just figure out some of them.  The CD4 count is easy to find but just can't find the VL.

Then again it might be something that doesn't show up on the chart I get.

Thanks,
Kenneth

[Jim Allen]

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/understanding-lab-work-blood-tests

Is there a result behind "Log"?

Depends on the lab, there are a number of ways it could be listed.
But have a look at the above post and than look again at the report you have.

Jim

[AusShep]

Sometimes HIV results are hidden. 

My recent ones are called "RNA, Real Time PCR (Graph)". Anything with HIV and RNA or PCR could also be the title.  Copied my March results below.



RNA, Real Time PCR (Graph)

HIV-1 RNA by PCR
<20                 HIV-1 RNA detected                                                       .
The reportable range for this assay is 20 to 10,000,000 copies HIV-1 RNA/mL.                                                       

log10 HIV-1 RNA
Unable to calculate result since non-numeric result obtained for  component test.

[kentfrat1783]

Hi to both of you,

Thanks for the reply. I've looked on results with the different codes/names and they aren't on my results that I can see.  I think they are hidden.

I can see my CD4 count, HIV results and all the other blood tests so I figured I'd be able to see my VL as well.  Oh well.  I'll just have to ask my ID doctor when I see him next what my VL count test is called.

Then again with being admitted to the hospital back in May I had over 100 blood tests done, and many repeated so I have a lot to look it.  I'm just curious how a lot of them will turn out in September when I have most of them redone.  Most should come back with much better numbers. 

Thanks,
Kenneth

[bocker3]

I'm not sure how much time has passed since you had your blood drawn and are looking for results, but it's also possible that your VL is sent to a different lab, so may take a little more time to get back and get input to the system you are viewing.

[kentfrat1783]

Hi Bocker3,

I had my blood tests done back in May and some have notes on them that said the results will be sent later.  My ID doctor said my VL was around 160k but just wanted to see it on my chart (i.e. I don't know if I heard him correct).  He was telling me a lot of different numbers the last time I met with him I just wanted to make sure I had it all correct.  I think it's a sub-chart that I don't have access too.

My next Appt is on September 26th, with blood work 2 weeks prior, so I will get more answers then. 

It's just interesting following the test results.  I live in Ohio (USA), and some tests were sent to Virginia, Florida and others to California to be done.  I assume this is normal.

Thanks for the reply. 
Kenneth

[AusShep]

if your blood was processed by LabCorp or Quest, you can also get access to them online via their websites.   Hospitals often use one of these. 

my husband can't see his HIV tests for PrEP on his doctor's portal, but can get them on Quest's site. 

[bocker3]

You could also ask your doctor for a copy of your lab reports at each visit.  this is what I have done since the beginning.  I have a spreadsheet of every lab result.  This has helped me a few times when I (or my doctor) started having possible concerns over an elevated result (like, say Creatinine - as I'm on the "old" Tenofovir).  I simply created a graph of my creat levels over time and looked for an upwards trend -- (there was NO TREND).
Admittedly, I may find tracking labs more "attractive" than most, as I have a Medical Technology degree and worked in clinical labs for many years (though, not for close to 20 yrs now).
However - get a copy from your doctor will ensure that you have all the data that he/she has.

Mike

[kentfrat1783]

Thanks Mike,

That is good advice.  I never even thought of asking for a copy.  Then again my brain has been going in so many different directions lately I'm just now starting to get things figured out. 

Getting admitted to the hospital for PCP and then Dx being positive (CD4 of 2), some minor liver and heart issues on top of it makes things interesting for me lately. 

I'll ask for copies when I see my ID doctor next month.

Kenneth

[harleymc]

I just get my doctor to text the results to me.