Also known as: CD4 Cell Count, CD4 T Lymphocyte Count
A laboratory test that measures the number of CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4 cells) in a sample of blood. In people with HIV, the CD4 count is the most important laboratory indicator of immune function and the strongest predictor of HIV progression. The CD4 count is one of the factors used to determine when to start antiretroviral therapy (ART). The CD4 count is also used to monitor response to ART.
See Related Term(s): CD4 Percentage, CD4 T Lymphocyte, HIV Progression