Absolute CD4 Helper Cells

immunohematologyImmunity & InflammationBlood

A CD4 cell count is a blood test used to see how many of a particular type of white blood cell are present in a small amount of blood. CD4 cells are also called helper T-cells.

Why it matters: CD4 counts are used to determine how advanced an HIV infection is, to monitor how well antiretroviral therapy is working, and to assess the risk of opportunistic infections. They are also used to monitor anti-rejection medicines after an organ transplant, to monitor treatment for autoimmune diseases, and to help diagnose illnesses such as certain types of lymphoma and DiGeorge syndrome.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

What Moves It

May increase with:

Some blood cancers

May decrease with:

HIV, which destroys CD4 cells
Cancer chemotherapy
Medicines that weaken the immune system
Associated Conditions
InfectionsOther illnessesProgression of HIVStage 3 HIV, also called AIDS, which a sufficiently low count means
Related Markers
CD4/CD8 RatioLymphocytes
Common questions

What is Absolute CD4 Helper Cells?

A CD4 cell count is a blood test used to see how many of a particular type of white blood cell are present in a small amount of blood. CD4 cells are also called helper T-cells.

What might a high or low Absolute CD4 Helper Cells mean?

CD4 counts are used to determine how advanced an HIV infection is, to monitor how well antiretroviral therapy is working, and to assess the risk of opportunistic infections. They are also used to monitor anti-rejection medicines after an organ transplant, to monitor treatment for autoimmune diseases, and to help diagnose illnesses such as certain types of lymphoma and DiGeorge syndrome.

What can affect Absolute CD4 Helper Cells?

It may be higher with: Some blood cancers. It may be lower with: HIV, which destroys CD4 cells, Cancer chemotherapy, Medicines that weaken the immune system.

More in immunohematology
ABO Blood GroupAbsolute CD8 Suppressor CellsCD4/CD8 RatioImmunoglobulin EPercentage of CD4 Positive LymphocytesPercentage of CD8 Positive LymphocytesRh(D) Blood GroupRheumatoid Factor

Track your Absolute CD4 Helper Cells over time

Upload your lab report and see where your values fall.

Get Started Free