Test Details & Preparation

• HIV PCR/HIV Quantification testing is done to monitor the status of HIV disease, in conjunction with other laboratory tests and physical disease progression, and to guide therapy.


• HIV PCR/HIV Quantification testing is performed when first diagnosed with HIV, every 2 to 8 weeks after the start of therapy or therapy changes, and every 3 to 4 months during long-term therapy, or as your doctor recommends.


• A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm for HIV PCR/HIV Quantification testing.


• No test preparation is required for HIV PCR/HIV Quantification testing.


• HIV viral load tests are reported as the number of HIV copies in a millilitre (copies/mL) of blood. If the viral load measurement is high, it generally indicates that HIV is present and replicating. Initial, untreated, and uncontrolled HIV viral loads can range as high as one million or more copies/mL.


• A low viral load is usually between 40 to 500 copies/mL depending on the type and sensitivity of the test used. This result indicates that HIV is not actively reproducing and that the risk of disease progression is low.