Routine Tests

Resistance Test

There are many different strains of HIV. All patients get a blood test called a resistance test done when they are first diagnosed. This is to see if the anti-HIV drugs will work on the strain of virus you have.

If you are on anti-HIV treatment your HIV viral load will be monitored regularly and if the viral load has risen above 200 copies/ml a resistance test will sometimes be performed to see if the strain of HIV that you have is resistant to any of the anti-HIV treatment you are taking.

Other Blood Tests

Haematology

This test gives information about the number, shape, size and oxygen carrying power of your red blood cells. We also look at the quality and number of white blood cells (these are involved with defence against infection) and also the number of platelets involved in the initial process of clotting your blood. ESR test is used to detect inflammation which can occur in a range of other conditions and illnesses.

Kidney Function

The kidneys dispose of toxic waste into the end product (urine) whilst retaining useful components. These include sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, and creatinine. Any deviation from the recommended range may require further assessment.

Your kidneys will have to cope with processing any drugs you may be prescribed, for example Anti-HIV medications, so your doctor will want to ensure that these are monitored closely and that there are no problems.

Liver Function

The liver is very important and does a number of vital jobs. Albumin and protein are produced by the liver. Excess alcohol may trigger a rise in some liver function enzymes like gamma GT (which is the amount of liver enzyme in your blood). Other measures of liver function include bilirubin and the transaminases (AST and ALT). These may give important information about liver function.

Your liver will have to cope with processing any drugs you may be prescribed, for example anti-HIV medication, so your doctor will want to ensure that these are monitored closely and that there are no problems.

Uric Acid

This is the substance which, if occurring in high levels in the blood can cause gout or kidney stones.

Glucose

This is a measurement of the sugar in the blood. Being an essential nutrient it should be kept in a narrow range and any raised glucose usually requires further assessment to exclude the presence of diabetes.

Thyroid test

This hormone helps control the metabolic rate of the body.

Calcium and Phosphate levels

These can indicate abnormalities of bone and kidney function.

Cholesterol

High cholesterol (blood fat) can lead to heart disease and strokes. People without HIV can get high cholesterol. Some of the anti-HIV drugs can also cause high cholesterol. The amount of cholesterol in your blood will be monitored.

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