HIV Viral Load Test-Why am I having this test?

An HIV viral load test is a blood test that determines the amount of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) present in your body. This test is done after you have been diagnosed with an HIV infection. It is sometimes called an HIV RNA quantification test. It is used along with other tests to monitor the status of your HIV infection, predict how the infection may progress, and guide decisions about your treatment.

After you are diagnosed with HIV, the test may be done two times—2–4 weeks apart—to determine your baseline viral load before starting treatment. The test may then be done every 3–4 months after that to monitor the infection.

This test may also be used to:

• Identify if the virus has become resistant to HIV medicines you are taking to treat the infection.
• Check whether you are taking your HIV medicines as you should.
• Determine if new forms of medical treatment may be needed.
• Determine if recent changes in your treatment are working to decrease your viral load.
• Determine if a baby who was born to an HIV-positive mother got the infection or HIV antibodies while in the womb.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of HIV genetic material (RNA) in your blood.

There are several methods for measuring the viral load in the blood. The same method needs to be used each time in order to properly monitor the infection.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any recent flu shots you have gotten.
• Any recent infections you have had.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as values that indicate the number of copies of HIV RNA per milliliter of blood (copies/mL). Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges are:

• No virus detected. This does not indicate that there is no virus left in your blood. It means the level has dropped low enough that it cannot be detected in your blood.
• Viral load less than 500 copies/mL.

Some factors can falsely increase HIV viral load test results. These may include:

• Having recently gotten a flu shot.
• Having another infection at the time the test is done.
• Not consistently following your HIV medical treatment.

What do the results mean?

Viral load levels above normal ranges indicate an HIV infection that is not properly controlled by medical treatment.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• An HIV viral load test is a blood test that determines the amount of HIV present in your body after you have been diagnosed with HIV.
• The test is used along with other tests to monitor the status of your HIV infection, predict how the infection may progress, and guide decisions about your medical treatment.
• Viral load levels above normal ranges indicate HIV infection that is not properly controlled by medical treatment.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.