Viral Load Measurement

HIV Load Measurement, Viral Load Assay

Results

A viral load test measures how much human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is in the blood. The results can take up to 2 weeks.

Normal values vary depending on the laboratory and which testing method is used (RT-PCR, bDNA, NASBA). Viral load results are reported as the number of HIV copies in a millilitre (copies/mL) of blood. Each virus is called a "copy" because HIV reproduces by making copies of itself (replicating).

Viral load

Normal:	HIV is not detected in the blood.
Abnormal:	HIV is detected in the blood. Your health professional will compare your current measurement with previous values.

If your viral load increases, it means the infection is getting worse. If the viral load drops, it means that the infection is being suppressed.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 24, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
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