Viral Load Measurement

HIV Load Measurement, Viral Load Assay

Why It Is Done

A viral load measurement test is done to:

  • Monitor changes in the HIV infection.
  • Guide treatment choices.
  • Monitor how well treatment is working.

While you and your health professional may set up a different schedule for the test, the most common schedule is the following:

  • If you are not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), your viral load should be measured every 3 to 4 months.
  • If you are receiving antiretroviral medication treatment:
    • A viral load measurement is taken before you start treatment; this is your baseline measurement.
    • Another viral load measurement is taken 4 to 8 weeks after you start treatment to determine your response to the medications. When you start treatment or switch to new medications, some decrease in your viral load is expected.
    • If the expected decrease in viral load occurs and your CD4+ cell count remains stable, your viral load will be measured every 3 to 4 months. The CD4+ count monitors how well your immune system is working.

Your health professional may consider your viral load measurement along with your CD4+ count to decide when to start antiretroviral therapy.


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Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELSLast Updated: March 1, 2007
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
Arrow PointerWhy It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits