POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: keven on August 23, 2012, 10:56:48 am
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Are there standard guidelines for how often and which lab tests should be taken for those who are UD and stable?
It seems that each Dr. has a different standard. My former Dr. who retired had me come in every five or six months for labs. My new Dr. would like to see me every three months and his reason is that if something does come up it is better to catch it early. I have been stable with no issues for the past six years and since labs are rather expensive, I would like to better understand what labs and how often I should have them taken.
Thanks for your input.
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Keven, I get mine done every three months. Have you ever seen the complete lab results? I ask because I have looked over one and they are extensive. I agree that looking out for problems is a good idea, mine uncovered some cholesterol issues which were taken care of.
You might talk it over with your doc and see what he/she says.
http://www.thebody.com/h/how-often-should-someone-with-HIV-get-blood-work.html
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US standards were recently updated for the AIDS 2012 conference.
For someone who is stable, with an undetectable viral load every six months for a viral load tests and cbc is sufficient. They even stated that cd4 count tests dont need to be done as often and could be done once a year. Of course this is for patients who are >stable<
Any issues would require more frequent testing.
My doctor does my labs every 6 months, but I havent had "issues."
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Stable people with a track record of maintaining a decent CD4 count, say 350+ (but 200+ will do), and suppressed viral load and having no conifections or metabloic side effects from meds, every 6 months is fine. So say UK guidelines, so says my doc (who I now see once a year). There is always the option to go extra if something concerns you.
- matt
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I have been undetectable since 1996 and my CD4s are tolerable.
I get labs drawn every six or seven months, usually six. Actually, the doctor is more concerned with my lipids than my viral load.
HUGS,
Mark
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I've been stable for six years, and with a high cd4 count. My doctor would have me go every six months, but since he's part of a clinic that receives funding from the state they have some minimum 4 month requirement that he has to adhere to. In short, if he was solely a private physician I would be doing 6 months.
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After 4 years I was just moved to 4month intervals (from 3 month). I would be at 6mos but doc wants to keep an eye on my kidneys for now.
-Will
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After being UB and great labs for over 2 1/2 years, I have just "graduated" to every six months. My IDS also said that I could use my GP for metabolic panels and CBCs and just have the reports sent to him.
I viewed this as a good thing and an indication that my meds are doing a damn good job fighting this virus.
Billy