Question
My viral load is zero, does this mean I’m negative?
16 September 2018. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
I was tested positive 1 year back with a CD4 count of 310. After 3 months the CD4 went up to 540 and now after exactly a year it is 640.
I never got a viral load test before i started my treatment in the beginning but when i got a test now a year after medication the test results say Zero count. Is this possible? Or can it be due to an error in the test? How accurate can these results be?
If the count of 0 viral load is possible is there any chance that i could actually be HIV negative?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Viral loads aren’t usually given as a zero, but it is common to be “undetectable”. This is a good thing and it is the main goal of HIV treatment (ART).
Do you have a copy of the viral load test?
Might they have said that its simply undetectable?
Having an undetectable of zero viral load does not mean you are HIV negative. If you were to do another HIV antibody test it would come back as being positive.
Given that your CD4 count was 310 when you were diagnosed, I’d say that its very unlikely that you’re HIV negative. It is much more likely that the treatment is working well and this has increased it to 640.
Hi Trx, there is no risk to your boyfriend. Now that your viral load is below 200 it is considered undetectable. For this reason U=U applies. This means that when your viral load is below 200 you cannot pass on HIV via sex: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Hi i need a help my last viral load was <400 3 months b4 I met my new BF ND we had unprotected sex so my following check up results was 25 copies ND the other one was 30 copies I want no is their any infection cz sometimes we did use protection
Hi David, the evidence supporting U=U is now really well established. Leading health authorities and guidelines are clear that so long as viral load is undetectable, HIV is not transmitted sexually, even without a condom. This link includes an article that explains the evidence in detail:
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
The risk of viral load rebounding is also very low if someone is careful at taking their meds. This is one of the things that is needed for U=U.
There are other good reasons to use condoms, but if viral load is undetectable, they are not needed to prevent HIV.
For anyone saying you are safe not using a condom, you mistaken. We get tested as the viral load could go back up.
Hi Hilary, are you taking any HIV medication? i-base is an HIV specific charity and are unable to provide information outside of HIV. We are also not doctors and cannot provide medical advise about stopping/starting other forms of treatment. This will need to be a decision made between you are your doctor.
I’m on a TB treatment I skipped my medication sometime now the doctor told me to stop but because of skipping other days not intentionally ofcourse, I still have like 15 pills with me should I continue to take them or not. Pls need help on this one
Hi Mfon, a viral load of 20 is excellent. While this value has been detected it is still considered ‘undetectable’. Any value under 200 is considered undetectable and that U=U applies, meaning you cannot pass on HIV sexually when your viral load is this low. Your medication is working really well and HIV is being suppressed in your body. This link is for more information on U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
I just had the second test to know my viral load and it indicating that I has 20 copies is HIV detectable. Pls it is going down or not and it be pass to another person
Hi Love, you have an excellent CD4 count. When were you did you find out that you were HIV positive? Have you had a viral load at all?
good day,
my cd4 count is 640 and just started my treatment the doctor did not tell me anything about a viral load could it be worse?