Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation required.
- Turnaround: 7-8 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) Real-time PCR (Nongraphical) Blood Test; HIV Viral Load, Quantitative measures the amount of HIV-1 RNA in your blood using real-time PCR. The result is quantitative, meaning it reports a level rather than a simple positive or negative. It is also reported as log10 HIV-1 RNA, a second way of expressing the same HIV-1 RNA result.
This test is intended for use alongside clinical presentation and other laboratory markers for the clinical management of people with HIV-1 infection. It is not a screening test for HIV-1 in blood or blood products, and it is not a diagnostic test to confirm HIV-1 infection.
Benefits
- Measures your HIV-1 RNA level with a quantitative PCR method.
- Helps track changes in HIV-1 RNA during antiretroviral therapy.
- Provides a baseline HIV-1 RNA level to help assess prognosis.
- Gives results in two formats: HIV-1 RNA and log10 HIV-1 RNA.
- Supports conversations with your healthcare provider about your HIV-1 management.
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults living with HIV-1 infection.
- People who want a baseline HIV-1 RNA level as part of clinical management.
- People taking antiretroviral therapy who want to monitor changes in HIV-1 RNA.
- Anyone whose healthcare provider has asked for HIV-1 viral load monitoring.
- People tracking HIV-1 RNA alongside other laboratory markers and clinical findings.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures HIV-1 RNA in your blood to help your healthcare provider with the clinical management of HIV-1 infection. It can help assess prognosis by establishing a baseline HIV-1 RNA level, or monitor the effects of antiretroviral therapy by tracking changes over time. It does not diagnose HIV-1 infection and is not a complete evaluation of your health.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This test is best suited to adults who have HIV-1 infection and want to establish a baseline HIV-1 RNA level or monitor their response to antiretroviral therapy. It may also be useful for anyone whose healthcare provider wants HIV-1 viral load results to review alongside clinical presentation and other laboratory markers.
3. When should I order this test?
You may consider ordering this test when you or your healthcare provider want a baseline HIV-1 RNA level for prognosis. You may also consider it when you are taking antiretroviral therapy and want to monitor changes in HIV-1 RNA during treatment. This test does not replace medical evaluation and should be used together with your clinical care.
4. What does this test measure?
This test measures HIV-1 RNA in a blood sample using real-time PCR. The result is quantitative and is reported as HIV-1 RNA by PCR and as log10 HIV-1 RNA. It measures the virus's genetic material, which helps your healthcare provider evaluate viral activity during HIV-1 management. It is not a screening or diagnostic test and does not include other HIV tests.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation required.
6. How quickly will I get results?
7-8 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
7. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your HIV-1 RNA result depends on your clinical context, including symptoms, medical history, medications, supplements, timing, specimen quality, methodology, and other laboratory results. A single result does not confirm or rule out a condition on its own. The HIV-1 RNA and log10 HIV-1 RNA values express the same result in different formats, so review them with a qualified healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review your results with a qualified healthcare provider, who can consider them alongside your symptoms, history, and other laboratory findings. One result does not provide a complete clinical conclusion. Your provider may decide whether additional evaluation is appropriate. Avoid making changes to your care based on this result alone.
9. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be as directed by your healthcare provider. It depends on why the test was ordered, such as establishing a baseline or monitoring during antiretroviral therapy. More frequent testing is not always better, so follow the schedule your provider recommends.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation required.
