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Author Topic: Frequency of Labs  (Read 2984 times)

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Offline keven

  • Member
  • Posts: 9
Frequency of Labs
« on: August 23, 2012, 10:56:48 am »
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.

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Frequency of Labs
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2012, 11:19:53 am »
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
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline buginme2

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,426
Re: Frequency of Labs
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2012, 11:35:50 am »
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."
Don't be fancy, just get dancey

Offline newt

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,900
  • the one and original newt
Re: Frequency of Labs
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2012, 02:56:40 pm »
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
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Frequency of Labs
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2012, 06:19:43 pm »
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
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: Frequency of Labs
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2012, 06:21:49 pm »
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.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline WillyWump

  • Member
  • Posts: 7,367
  • EPIC FIERCENESS!
Re: Frequency of Labs
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2012, 06:57:22 pm »
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
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline Billy B

  • Member
  • Posts: 392
Re: Frequency of Labs
« Reply #7 on: August 26, 2012, 01:29:53 pm »
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
VL 4420 CD4 340 CD4% 24   3/15/10 Started I&T
VL  UD   CD4 340 CD4% 26.5 05/13/10
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.1 08/3/10
VL  UD   CD4 310 CD4% 28.4 11/22/10
VL  UD   CD4 420 CD4% 27.9 02/11/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 26.4 06/08/11
VL  UD   CD4 360 CD4% 27.7 09/23/11
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.3 01/20/12
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 28.8 05/11/12
VL  UD   CD4 370 CD4% 28.1 09/07/12
VL  UD   CD4 390 CD4% 32.3 03/14/13
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 29.8 09/10/13
VL  UD   CD4 430 CD4% 31.0 04/29/14
VL  UD   CD4 520 CD4% 34.8 11/05/15
VL  UD   CD4 440 CD4% 33.5 03/10/15
VL  UD   CD4 450 CD4% 30.5 08/23/16
VL  UD   CD4 510 CD4% 34.0 07/21/20  (Biktarvy)

 


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