A primary target of HIV is CD4 T cells, which are preferentially depleted during the course of the disease. The utility of CD4 T cell measurements involves clinical considerations for HIV disease classification and AIDS definition, assessment of prognosis, and the design of clinical trials. It is well recognized now that accurate and reliable enumeration of CD4 T cell counts is very crucial for monitoring the rate of progression to AIDS, both for initiating prophylaxis for opportunistic infections as well as monitoring the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The lab is equipped with different range of flow cytometries (FACSCount, Guava PCA, Coulter Epics XL-MCL and Partec CyFlow for CD4 count), Hematology analyzers (Sysmex KX-21, Sysmex XT-1800i and Medicon 4000) and automated ESR Reader
Daily internal QC is performed to monitor the instrument and reagent performance and daily precision is monitored for the instrument reproducibility. For the EQAS, we receive the proficiency testing panels from CAP, UKNEQAS, AIIMS, New Delhi and WHO/SEARO.