The evaluation of an immune system deficiency begins with a medical history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with immune system deficiency may include:

• Skin lesions:
• Kaposi sarcoma
• Mouth or tongue lesions:
• Hairy leukoplakia of the mouth
• Muscle wasting
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Confusion
• Retinal disease
• Generalized lymph node swelling
• Thrush
• Pale skin due to anemia

Tests that may be used to evaluate immune system deficiency include:

• Complete blood count
• HIV blood testing
• AIDS blood test:
• CD4 T lymphocyte count

Additional tests that may be used to evaluate immune system deficiency include:

• Lymph node biopsy
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Skin biopsy
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile
• Electrolyte profile
• Urinalysis
• Blood cultures
• Urine cultures
• Stool cultures
• Chest x-ray
• Hepatitis testing
• Coagulation profile
• Syphilis testing
• Tuberculosis skin testing

Imaging tests that may be used to evaluate immune system deficiency include:

• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain