Glossary

abstract – in research, a short summary of a study (usually about 350 words)

pulmonary – relating to the lungs.

confirmatory test – a second test to double-check the results of a previous one. For example, if your viral load is usually undetectable and then becomes detectable, you need a second confirmatory test. This is to check that the detectable result was not a laboratory error on just a temporary blip.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) – a short course of HIV treatment to HIV to reduce the chance of infection. See prophylaxis and PrEP.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) –  type of viral load test.