The results of a viral load test are described as the number of copies of HIV RNA in a millilitre of blood. But your doctor will normally just talk about your viral load as a number. For example, a viral load of 10,000 would be considered low; 100,000 would be considered high.

What is the normal range for viral load?

What the Results Mean. A high viral load is generally considered about 100,000 copies, but you could have 1 million or more. The virus is at work making copies of itself, and the disease may progress quickly. A lower HIV viral load is below 10,000 copies.

What is a detectable viral load?

Before treatment: Detectable viral load When doctors say a person has detectable levels of HIV in a viral load test, it means there is a significant amount of HIV in their blood. This level will vary based on the stage of the condition and the stage of treatment.

What does it mean if your viral load is 20?

Viral load is measured in units called copies. The standard blood tests used in UK clinics can measure viral load down to 20 or 50 copies per millilitre of blood. Anything less than this is called undetectable. If someone has an undetectable viral load, it does not mean they are cured of HIV.

What does a viral load of less than 50 mean?

When copies of HIV cannot be detected by standard viral load tests, an HIV-positive person is said to have an “undetectable viral load.” For most tests used clinically today, this means fewer than 50 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood (<50 copies/mL). Reaching an undetectable viral load is a key goal of ART. PrEP.

What causes viral load to go up?

An increase in viral load can occur for many reasons, such as: not taking antiretroviral medication consistently. the HIV has mutated (changed genetically) antiretroviral medication isnt the right dose.

Can stress increase viral load?

Studies have shown that chronic stress, traumatic events, and depression can all lead to an increased viral load and decreased CD4 counts, and therefore, accelerate HIV disease progression.

What is CD4 count?

A normal CD4 count ranges from 500–1,200 cells/mm3 in adults and teens. In general, a normal CD4 count means that your immune system is not yet significantly affected by HIV infection. A low CD4 count indicates that your immune system has been affected by HIV and/or the disease is progressing.