After completing the informed consent and medical release documents, all patients were asked to provide a blood sample for laboratory confirmation of HIV serostatus. The clinical laboratory evaluation also included CBC with differential, HIV RNA viral load, CD4 lymphocyte count and percent, VDRL, HBV screen, HCV, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus antibody titers, renal and liver function, serum protein, albumin, and G-6-PD. Toxicological analyses for cocaine, opiates, amphetamine, and marijuana were performed on urine samples (Ontrak, Varian Inc., Palo Alto, CA) and a breathalyzer was used to detect recent alcohol use. In addition, an Optec 2000 Vision Tester was used to confirm normal color vision and acuity (with correction).
