Viral Load Measurement

HIV Load Measurement, Plasma Viral Load (PVL)

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 milliliter (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 doctor 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:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: February 17, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
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