Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation required.
- Turnaround: 5-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) Blood Test, Quantitative, RNA (Abbott® RealTime) detects and quantitates HIV-1 RNA in a blood sample. It reports two results: HIV-1 RNA by PCR, a quantitative measure of the amount of viral RNA, and log10 HIV-1 RNA, the same viral level expressed on a log10 scale.
This test measures HIV-1 only. It is intended for use alongside your clinical presentation and other laboratory markers, as an indicator of disease prognosis and as an aid in assessing viral response to antiretroviral treatment through changes in HIV-1 RNA levels.
Benefits
- Quantifies the amount of HIV-1 RNA in your blood.
- Reports results as HIV-1 RNA by PCR and log10 HIV-1 RNA.
- Helps track changes in HIV-1 RNA levels over time.
- Supports assessment of viral response to antiretroviral treatment.
- Provides information your provider can use alongside clinical presentation and other markers.
- Requires no special preparation.
Who Is This Test For?
- People who may be at risk for HIV-1 infection.
- People who have been newly diagnosed with HIV-1.
- People undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- People who want to monitor HIV-1 infection levels.
- People whose healthcare provider wants to assess viral response to treatment.
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 detects and quantitates HIV-1 RNA, reported as HIV-1 RNA by PCR and log10 HIV-1 RNA. It may help your healthcare provider assess disease prognosis and evaluate viral response to antiretroviral treatment by looking at changes in HIV-1 RNA levels. It is meant to be used with your clinical presentation and other laboratory markers, and it does not diagnose a condition on its own.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This test may be useful for people who may be at risk for HIV-1, people who are newly diagnosed, and people undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). It may also suit anyone who wants to monitor HIV-1 infection levels or whose healthcare provider wants to assess viral response to treatment. Not everyone with a related concern needs this test.
3. When should I order this test?
You might consider this test if you want to check for HIV-1 in your blood, if you have been newly diagnosed and want to learn about your infection levels, or if you are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and want to follow your treatment progress. It supports, but does not replace, medical evaluation.
4. What does this test measure?
This test measures HIV-1 RNA in a blood sample using PCR (Abbott® RealTime). Results are quantitative and are reported as HIV-1 RNA by PCR and as log10 HIV-1 RNA. The test looks at the virus itself and does not include other biomarkers or other tests. It is not interchangeable with tests that use a different specimen type or a different method.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation required.
6. How quickly will I get results?
5-6 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 results depends on the specific result reported and your overall clinical context. Your healthcare provider may consider your symptoms, medical history, medications, supplements, timing of the test, specimen quality, methodology, and other laboratory results. A single result does not confirm or rule out a condition on its own. Discuss your results 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. They can interpret the findings in the context of your overall health and decide whether any additional evaluation is appropriate. One result does not provide a complete clinical conclusion. Do not make changes to your care without guidance from your healthcare provider.
9. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual situation and the purpose of the test. Because this test is used to assess viral response to antiretroviral treatment through changes in HIV-1 RNA levels, repeat testing should be as directed by your healthcare provider. More frequent testing is not always beneficial.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation required.
