The Ins & Outs of Understanding Your Labs

There are many numbers that we should be monitoring with our healthcare providers as we get older, but too often our lab reports can seem overwhelming or confusing. Whether we’re monitoring our HIV numbers – such as viral load and CD4 count – or other measures that may be checked at a doctor’s visit – such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C – it is important that we understand what these tests are measuring and what all the numbers mean. In this webinar, we will talk through the common lab tests ordered for older adults and how to understand the results. We will also discuss ways to talk to our providers about blood tests and other medical screenings so that we can be fully informed on all aspects of our health. Participants will be invited to ask questions about their own labs and understanding their past results.

Speakers

William Short, MD

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

William R Short, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, is Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He received his medical degree from Hahnemann University Hospital/Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, and master’s degree in public health with a concentration in epidemiology and health systems policy from UMDNJ School of Public Health – Rutgers in Newark. Dr Short completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in infectious diseases from MCP/Hahnemann University Hospital. His clinical interests include the treatment and management of patients with HIV and AIDS. Dr Short has authored or coauthored articles that have been published in peer-reviewed journals such as HIV Medicine, Antiviral Therapy, Clinical Infectious Diseases, and Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, HIV Medical Association, American Academy of HIV Medicine, and Infectious Disease Society of America. He serves as a scientific member of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guideline panel on the treatment of HIV-infected pregnant women and prevention of perinatal transmission.

Keith Carter

William Way, CFAR

Keith Carter is a resident of South Philadelphia and a long-time community activist. He currently serves on the Ryan White Planning Council, the Penn CFAR Community Advisory Board, the Elder Initiative at William Way Advisory Council, and the Elder Initiative’s HIV & Aging Community Advisory Committee.