What if your viral load rebounds?
Get a second test…
- A low-level rebound might only be a lab or test error.
- It might just be a small blip that goes back down again.
This is why it is important to repeat the viral load test.
Take second test straight away, when you get the first result.
Don’t just wait for weeks or months until your next routine test.
If the second test is still detectable this is a “confirmed viral rebound”.
- lab errors: viral load tests do not give exact results at low levels. Both 40 and 60 could come from the same sample. The lab can make a mistake with your sample. It might belong to somebody else!
- blips: this is when viral load increases above 50 copies/mL but returns to undetectable again by itself.
Last updated: 1 January 2025.