1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.
- HIV screening test (ELISA) – AK against HIV type 1/2 – immunologic detection method; if the test is positive, it is repeated with a second blood sample.
- HIV Western blot and HIV RNA detection, (HIV antigen), resistance testing, if necessary; is performed if the HIV search test turned out positive.
- CD4-positive lymphocytes – determination of the so-called helper cells; gives an important indication of the immune status of the affected person; is measured again and again in the course of the disease, in order to be able to follow the development
- HIV RNA – measurement of the genetic information of the HI virus; is measured in the course of the disease again and again to be able to follow the development.
- HIV DNA
- HIV isolation – is not performed in the routine
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. -for differential diagnostic clarification.
- HIV resistance tests – examines the sensitivity of the viruses to the various drugs.
- Opportunistic infectionsSerology: amebiasis, aspergillosis, coccidioidosis, cytomegalovirus, EBV, hepatitis A, B, andC, herpes simplex,histoplasmosis, legionella, lues, toxoplasmosis, varicella-zosterBacteriology (cultural): sputum and urine for common pathogens and mycobacteria; stool for salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, yersinia. Direct detections: Aspergillus, Pneumocystiscarinii, Legionella in BAL (sputum, if applicable); amoebae, Cryptococcusneoformans in serum and CSF, Candida, Cryptosporidia, Isopore, Lamblia, and other parasites (e.g., microsporidia) in stool.
