Description
Why It’s Done:
This test is performed for several important reasons:
1. Early Detection of HIV-1 Infection
o Can detect the virus soon after exposure, before antibody tests become positive.
o Useful in high-risk exposures or when acute HIV infection is suspected.
2. Baseline Viral Load Assessment
o Establishes a starting point before beginning antiretroviral therapy (ART).
3. Monitoring Effectiveness of Treatment
o Evaluates how well ART is working by tracking changes in viral load.
o A decreasing or undetectable viral load indicates effective treatment.
4. Detecting Drug Resistance or Treatment Failure
o A rising viral load may suggest that the virus is no longer responding to the current therapy.
5. Guiding Clinical Decisions
o Helps in treatment planning, especially in advanced HIV disease.
Preparation:
• No special preparation is typically needed.
• You may be advised to:
o Inform your doctor about current medications.
o Avoid testing during acute illness unless necessary, as viral load can fluctuate.
• A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
Results are typically reported as the number of copies/mL, and the goal of treatment is often to reduce the viral load to undetectable levels
