Viral Load Measurement

HIV Load Measurement, Viral Load Assay

Risks

There is very little risk of complications from having blood drawn from a vein.

• You may develop a small bruise at the puncture site. You can reduce the risk of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes after the needle is withdrawn.
• Rarely, the vein may become inflamed after the blood sample is taken. This condition is called phlebitis and is usually treated with a warm compress applied several times daily.
• Continued bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. ASA (Aspirin), warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood-thinning medications can also make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medication, tell your health professional before your blood is drawn.

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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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