First Steps to Treatment

Treatment Options   HIV is a viral disease that has to be managed with a series of step by step therapy. When someone is a suspected to be HIV infected, there are several laboratory exams that have to be done to confirm the diagnosis. This work up involves testing your blood for the presence of antibodies. When a positive result is yielded this is where another step has to be taken into consideration.   During the first clinic visit of an HIV positive individual, further lab work ups have to be made in order to set a baseline data which can help the physician and everyone involved in the treatment in the whole course of management. Some of the lab work ups are CD 4 count and viral over load. The results that will be gathered through these tests can help the physician for future decisions and course of treatment that may be available for the patient. Aside from the CD4 count and viral load test, a drug sensitivity test also has to be made. This will help the physician know which antiviral drugs will be effective for the treatment of the disease.   Other relevant laboratory tests that can serve well in the course of management are: CBC (Complete blood count) which can help determine the hemodynamic status of the patient. Kidney and Liver function tests which can give a picture of the status of the patient’s kidneys and liver which are major organs for metabolism and excretion of drugs. Any damage in these organs will greatly affect which drug regimen will be a...
Source: aids-write.org - Category: HIV AIDS Authors: Tags: featured article Source Type: blogs