Absolute Lymphocyte Count as a Predictor of CD4 Count

Study objective: To determine whether the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) (white blood count×lymphocyte percentage) can be used to predict a low CD4 count. Methods: We conducted a retrospective data analysis of consecutive CD4 count analyses performed between January 1, 1995, through December 1, 1995, at an urban university teaching hospital. Results of consecutive CD4 counts and simultaneously measured ALCs were analyzed from samples obtained in inpatient, clinic, and emergency department settings. The ability of ALC to predict a CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm 3 was analyzed by calculating sensitivities, specificities, predictive values, and likelihood ratios for a range of ALC values. Results: Among the 807 samples, 322 results (40%) had a CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm 3 . The ALC and CD4 count were correlated ( r =.69, P