CD4 Count

The CD4 count is usually the most important thing to consider when you are deciding when to start HIV treatment. You should have a baseline CD4 cell count done as soon as you know you are HIV-positive. Some doctors recommend two baseline CD4 counts before starting therapy, because CD4 counts can vary widely from test to test. If two tests are done, and they are very different, a third test should be done before starting treatment.

After starting treatment, you should have a CD4 count done every three to six months