Coptic Hope Center
Ngong Road
P.O.Box 21570
Nairobi,Kenya
Phone: 254-272-5856
mattwa@copticmission.org

Baseline laboratory tests are ordered prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy. The CD4 count measures the severity of HIV illness and marks disease progression and regression. Checking the blood count helps one to determine extent of anemia which may influence choice of drugs like Septrin, as well as give a baseline differential prior to drug administration. Similarly, the liver and renal function tests verify that these organs can cope with the effects of the medications, and allow better evaluation of possible adverse drug effects in the future.
Baseline Tests
1. HIV Elisa test
2. CD4 count
Eligible Tests
1. Complete blood count with differential and platelets
2. ALT
3. Creatinine
Q 6 months
1. CD4 count
2. Hgb
3. ALT
Additonal tests that can be ordered PRN:
1. Chest x-ray
2. Urine pregnancy
3. Sputum for AFB
4. Liver function tests
5. Glucose
6. Malaria
7. Widal test
8. Stool for O & C
9. KOH skin test