CD4 Quick Test Helps Increase Number Of Patients Who Return For HIV Test Results
A new quick test to determine the CD4 levels of individuals who test positive for HIV "resulted in a substantial increase" in the percentage of people returning to a clinic get those results, according to a study conducted in Mozambique and published last week in the Lancet, the New York Times reports. "Before quick testing was available, 42 percent of infected patients returned to learn their CD4 count at a subsequent visit. After point-of-care testing began, 78 percent of infected patients were evaluated -- that is, almost twice as many infected people took this important first step toward drug treatment," the newspaper writes (Bakalar, 10/3).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.