Clinical assessment of medication adherence: Start date of prescribed HIV antiviral therapy
This test records when you began taking your HIV antiviral medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It helps track your treatment timeline and adherence to your treatment plan.
["This test documents your initiation of HIV antiviral therapy to monitor treatment consistency and adherence."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45235-9
- Short code
- DATEORIGINALCLINICHIVRXSTART
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- reported
- CPT
- 86701
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters in HIV Care
Tracking when you started your HIV medication is crucial because it helps healthcare providers assess whether you’re following your treatment plan as directed. Proper adherence to HIV antiviral therapy is essential for controlling the virus and preventing drug resistance, which can make future treatments less effective.
What This Test Involves
This test is not a blood or lab test but a **qualitative** record kept in your medical chart. It simply marks the date your healthcare provider prescribed and instructed you to begin taking your HIV antiviral medication. No blood sample or additional testing is required for this specific entry.
How It Differs from Other Tests
Unlike standard lab tests (e.g., viral load, CD4 count), this test focuses solely on documenting your treatment initiation date. It does not measure medication levels in your body or assess effectiveness directly.
What to Expect When You Have This Test
You will not undergo any blood draws or lab procedures for this test. Your healthcare provider will simply note the start date of your HIV antiviral therapy in your medical records during a routine visit or when you begin your medication.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
HIV Medication Start Date
Frequently asked questions
This test helps ensure you’re starting your HIV medication on time and as prescribed. It supports long-term monitoring of treatment adherence, which is vital for managing HIV effectively and avoiding complications like drug resistance.
Your doctor may request this test to confirm when you began taking your HIV medication, especially if you’re transitioning from one treatment plan to another or if you’ve missed doses. It helps track whether you’ve followed your treatment schedule consistently.
If there’s a discrepancy, your healthcare provider will review your treatment plan and may adjust your schedule or provide reminders to ensure you stay on track with your HIV medication.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy