24
Treatment
Table 5. Routine Healthcare Maintenance for People With
HIV (After Initial Assessment)
Intervention Recommendation Comments
HIV-specific Tests for All Persons with HIV
HIV RNA Should be performed every 4–6
weeks aer initiation of ART until
<50 c/mL and then every 3–4
months. In patients with consistent
viral suppression and stable CD4
for more than 2 years, can be
measured every 6 months.
—
CD4 cell count
Every 3–6 months for the first
2 years aer starting ART, or if
viremia develops, or if CD4 <300/
mm
3
. If CD4 300–500/mm
3
and
HIV RNA suppressed for 2 years,
can be measured every 12 months.
If CD4 >500/mm
3
and HIV RNA
suppressed for 2 years, measurement
is optional.
—
Screening for Mental Health and Substance Use Issues
Depression
screening
Perform at least annually and when
clinically appropriate.
Use standard depression
screening tool such as
PHQ-9 GAD-2.
Substance use
screening
General messages regarding risk
reduction should be provided at all
healthcare encounters, regardless
of risk behaviors reported by the
patient or perceived risk on the part
of the healthcare provider. Such
messages can be delivered by the
provider, by others in the healthcare
setting, or by educational materials
(e.g., pamphlets, posters, and
videos) in the healthcare setting.
—
Screening for and Monitoring of Metabolic Disorders (See also Section IV)
Blood pressure
screening
Perform at every visit.
—
Weight
measurement
Perform at every visit.
—
