To assess the utility of fine needle aspiration (FNA) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with corresponding CD4 count analysis. The study group consisted of 108 FNA specimens from 80 patients performed from January 1991 to December 1994. FNAs were sub-typed into four categories: lymph nodes (59 specimens), masses (26 specimens), salivary glands (19 specimens) and breast (4 specimens). Thirty-three were diagnosed as reactive lymph nodes, 15% as benign lymphoepithelial lesions and 9% as granulomas; 9% revealed acute inflammation, 5% were positive for malignant lymphoma, and 3% were suspicious for Kaposi's sarcoma. Differences in CD4 counts were statistically significant for specific subsets of HIV-related illnesses. General trends were noted in mean CD4 counts for specific sub-groups of HIV-related illnesses. Material adequate for culture can be obtained with the FNA procedure. FNA in skilled hands is a very useful simple and cost-effective procedure for the diagnosis of HIV-related lesions and in the management of these patients. This study suggested that mean CD4 counts are statistically significant in specific subsets of HIV related illnesses.