HIV-1 Viral Load Test

The HIV-1 viral load test is a laboratory test used to measure the amount of HIV-1 virus present in a person's blood. It helps in monitoring the progression of HIV-1 infection and assessing the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

It is important to note that the HIV-1 viral load test specifically measures the amount of HIV-1 virus in the blood. It does not measure the amount of HIV-2 virus.

There is no window period for the HIV-1 Viral Load test because the test is only performed for patients who have already been diagnosed with HIV-1.

After being initially diagnosed with HIV, your blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for an HIV-1 Viral Load test. It is important to undergo regular HIV-1 Viral Load tests at specific intervals to effectively manage your condition. These include:

• At the beginning of your therapy, prior to initiating medication, it is crucial to have a baseline HIV-1 Viral Load test. This test provides essential information about the initial level of the virus in your bloodstream, serving as a reference point for monitoring treatment progress.
• Regular monitoring of your viral load is vital for assessing the effectiveness of your antiretroviral therapy (ART). Generally, it is recommended to have HIV-1 Viral Load tests every 3 to 12 months. These routine tests help track the level of HIV-1 virus in your blood and evaluate the response to treatment over time.
• Additionally, it is important to follow the personalised recommendations of your healthcare provider. Depending on your specific circumstances and treatment progress, your clinician may advise additional HIV-1 Viral Load tests at specific intervals. These individualised recommendations ensure that your treatment plan is optimised for your well-being.

By adhering to this testing regimen, you can actively manage your HIV condition, monitor the efficacy of your treatment, and make informed decisions about your healthcare in collaboration with your clinician.

The current HIV-1 Viral Load test has been improved significantly since its earlier versions. This current version can measure viral load down to 20 or 50 copies per millilitre of blood. Anything less than this is considered undetectable. You will not be able to pass HIV on if your viral load remains undetectable.

A quantitative HIV test measures the amount of HIV virus in your blood and is performed after a qualitative HIV test comes back positive.

Quantitative tests, such as the HIV Viral Load test, help your clinician decide which combination of HIV medications will work best for you and how effective they will be. It also helps your clinician to keep track of the level of HIV in your body over time.

A qualitative HIV test, such as the 10 Day HIV Test, will only tell you if HIV has been detected or not detected.

The HIV-1 Viral Load test is used to determine the viral load of HIV-1 positive patients. Whereas, the HIV-2 Viral Load test is used to determine the viral load of HIV-2 positive patients.

As HIV-1 accounts for the majority of HIV infections worldwide, the HIV-1 Viral Load test is more commonly known and performed than the HIV-2 Viral Load test.

Yes. Everything you share with us is confidential and will not be shared with the NHS, your GP or anyone else unless you wish for us to do so.

Yes.

You can receive your HIV-1 Viral Load test results by either text or email.

It is important to continue following your HIV treatment plan as laid out by your clinician. You should also avoid unprotected sex until your viral load is classed as undetectable.

If you do receive an undetectable viral load, it is important to maintain your HIV treatment to prevent this from changing.

HIV-1 Viral Load tests can be reported in two ways:

1. Reported as the number of HIV-1 copies in a millilitre (copies/mL) of plasma (blood without the cells).
2. Reported in logs. For example, on one occasion the Viral Load is 100 copies/mL and on the next occasion it is 1000 copies/mL. This would be reported as a one log increase. Likewise, 100 copies/mL to 10,000 copies/mL would be reported as a two log increase.

Furthermore, an individual may also receive at some point, a viral load result that reads ‘undetectable’. Once an individual’s HIV viral load is undetectable, they will not be able to pass the virus on to others. Undetectable = Untransmissible (U=U).

If you stop taking your HIV medication, the HIV virus will begin to replicate itself because you will no longer have anything in your body to suppress the virus.

To prevent this from happening, it is important to continue taking your HIV medication as prescribed in order for your viral load to remain undetectable.

Once your viral load result is undetectable, you will not be able to transmit HIV. This is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).

However, if you do not stick to your HIV treatment plan you will be able to transmit HIV.

It is essential to avoid having unprotected sex if you do not have an undetectable viral load, or if you are worried about messing up your treatment plan.

No.

Once an individual has HIV, their HIV tests will remain positive for life, even if they have an undetectable viral load.

It is important to remember that it is increasingly possible for individuals with HIV to live a normal, healthy, full life.

Yes. Along with a text or email of your HIV-1 Viral Load test results, we can email a certificate for official purposes.