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Can other tests diagnose HIV infection?

Dr Shirish Kumar
Haematologist,
WHO,
Geneva

Q: Can TLC, DLC and ESR tests show HIV result?

A:Indirectly, HIV infection may be suggested by absolute lymphocytopaenia (reduction in the total number of lymphocytes) to < 1000/µl in adults or 1500/µl at 2-6 years or < 3000/µl in children under 2 years of age. The condition may be inherited when associated with inherited immunodeficiency diseases or acquired. AIDS is the most common infectious disease associated with lymphopaenia but it can be secondary to acute bacterial, fungal, viral or protozoal infections, autoimmune disorders, drugs, etc.