Q and A

Question

Will I always test HIV positive even with undetectable viral load?

30 May 2017. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV testing.

If I am undetectable and I take a common HIV test, will the result be positive or negative?

Answer

Answer: Lisa Thorley

Thanks for getting in touch.

Even when someones viral load is undetectable, they will always test positive for HIV.

This is because the HIV test  looks for whether your immune system has reacted to HIV. Even if a cure for HIV is discovered, this immune test will still be positive.

Viral load looks directly for the virus. Having an undetectable viral load on treatment is very good. It means that so long as you keep taking your meds you will net get drug resistance.

It also means that your partners are protected from HIV, even if you do not use a condom.

38 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Ajay, where are you getting tested? Being on treatment should not stop HIV tests being positive if you are living with HIV. Even with an undetectable viral load a test would still be positive.

    How long have you been on treatment? and have you had testing for your CD4 count?

  2. Ajay •

    I am testing continuously negative on 4th generation antigen antibodies test I started treatment with a low viral load 1607 copies am I positive or negative ? I am on TLD should I stop the medication?

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Tee, have you tested positive for HIV before?

  4. Tee •

    I recently did a rapid test and I tested negative my viral load is undetectable is it possible?

  5. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Kg, what do you need help with?

  6. Kg •

    Hi please help

  7. Simon Collins •

    Hi Lilian, once you are HIV positive, all HIV tests should continue to be positive, even when you are on treatment. If you ever get a negative result, this is likely to be a lab error. Also, if you are or become pregnant it is still very important to take your meds. Missing one dose might be okay occaissionally, but really you want to be good at not missing doses.

  8. Lilian •

    I just wnt to know that it is possible for me to test negative at clinic if I am on ART. Also what are the risk if I am pregnancy and I skip my meds?

  9. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Liz,

    We don’t have resources to answer more questions on HIV risks and HIV testing. But all FAQs are answered through this link:
    http://i-base.info/qa/11844

  10. Liz •

    I tested Positive on the first Rapid test and Negative on the Second test.Was adviced by the College nurse to go for ELISA at the hospital and the results came back negative.I went again to test after four months and the same thing happened,Firstly rapid test Positive then Second test negative.Went again to the Hospital for Elisa and to check my Viral load and the Elisa results were negative again and My Viral load was lower than Detectable Load,I am now confused and don’t know what exactly my status is.Does this mean I am HIV positive or Negative?