What it means
Measured with a PCRpee-see-AR (said as letters)Polymerase chain reaction: a lab method that copies tiny amounts of genetic material so a germ or a gene can be detected.Full entry test, it shows how actively a virus is multiplying. It is used mostly in HIVaych-eye-VEE (said as letters)Human immunodeficiency virus: a virus that infects and destroys immune cells called CD4 T cells.Full entry , and also in hepatitis B and C, to see whether treatment is working. A person with HIV whose viral load stays undetectable on treatment does not pass HIV on through sex ("undetectable equals untransmittable").
For the nurse
Stress taking antiretroviral medicines every day exactly as prescribed; missed doses let the viral load rise and the virus become resistant.
At a glance
| Normal range | The goal on HIV treatment is an undetectable level, below the test's lower limit (often below 20–50 copies/mL). |
|---|---|
| Also written | HIV viral load |
Related terms
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus: a virus that infects and destroys immune cells called CD4 T cells.
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: the most advanced stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is badly damaged.
PCR
Polymerase chain reaction: a lab method that copies tiny amounts of genetic material so a germ or a gene can be detected.