What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're living with HIV/AIDS and need to monitor how well your immune system is functioning or how your treatment is working. It helps track the health of your immune cells (specifically CD4 and CD8 T cells) which are crucial for fighting infections. Many people use this test to understand their disease progression, evaluate their response to antiretroviral therapy, or monitor their risk for opportunistic infections.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your CD4 and CD8 counts mean for your immune health and treatment. These notes include personalized guidance on monitoring your immune status, when to discuss treatment adjustments with your doctor, and what your CD4:CD8 ratio indicates about disease progression. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your immune cell counts over time using our trends feature to see how your treatment is working.

What's included in this test?

This panel measures % CD4, % CD8, Absolute CD4+ Cells, Absolute CD8+ Cells, Absolute Lymphocytes, CD4/CD8 Ratio, and includes interpretive comments. This comprehensive immune panel measures CD4 and CD8 T cells both as percentages and absolute counts, giving a complete picture of your immune system strength. It also calculates the CD4:CD8 ratio, which is a key indicator of immune health and how well your body is responding to HIV treatment.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is essential for anyone diagnosed with HIV/AIDS who needs regular immune system monitoring. It's particularly important if you're starting or changing antiretroviral therapy, experiencing frequent infections, or working with your doctor to evaluate disease progression. People with other immunodeficiency conditions may also benefit from this immune cell assessment.

What is the CD4:CD8 ratio and why does it matter?

The CD4:CD8 ratio compares your helper T cells (CD4) to your suppressor T cells (CD8), and it's a key marker of immune system health. In healthy individuals, there are typically more CD4 cells than CD8 cells, giving a ratio above 1.0. In HIV infection, this ratio often becomes inverted (below 1.0) as CD4 cells decrease and CD8 cells increase, helping doctors assess disease severity and treatment response.

What does a low CD4 count mean?

A low CD4 count means your immune system is weakened and you have fewer helper T cells to fight off infections. CD4 counts below 200 indicate advanced HIV disease and put you at higher risk for opportunistic infections like pneumonia or certain cancers. This is why monitoring CD4 levels is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and determining when preventive medications might be needed.

How can I naturally support my immune system?

Supporting your immune health involves eating a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Prioritize quality sleep (7-9 hours nightly), manage stress through meditation or gentle exercise, and stay physically active as tolerated. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and staying up to date with vaccinations can also help protect your immune function alongside medical treatment.

How often should I retest my CD4 count?

If you're newly diagnosed or just starting treatment, your doctor will typically recommend testing every 3-4 months to monitor how well therapy is working. Once your CD4 count is stable and viral load is suppressed, testing every 6-12 months may be sufficient. If you're experiencing new symptoms or changing medications, more frequent monitoring may be needed to ensure your immune system stays strong.

What causes changes in my CD4:CD8 ratio?

HIV infection is the most common cause of an abnormal CD4:CD8 ratio, as the virus specifically attacks CD4 cells while CD8 cells increase in response. Effective antiretroviral therapy can help improve this ratio over time by restoring CD4 counts. Other factors like age, chronic infections, autoimmune conditions, and certain medications can also affect this ratio, which is why it's important to review results with your healthcare provider.

What should I do if my CD4 count drops?

If your CD4 count decreases, it's important to contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss your antiretroviral therapy and whether adjustments are needed. Your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring, preventive medications to protect against opportunistic infections, or changes to your treatment regimen. In the meantime, focus on healthy lifestyle habits, avoid people who are sick, and watch for any signs of infection like fever or unusual symptoms.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

CD4 CD8 Test - HIV Immune System Monitoring Panel

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

CD4 CD8 Ratio Test for HIV and Immune System Monitoring

Lymphocyte Subset Panel 4 (CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile)

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

CD4 CD8 Ratio Test for HIV and Immune System Monitoring

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say