Question
What does a non-detectable viral load mean?
26 May 2021. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load, Living with HIV long-term.
I am now into my 22nd year of living with HIV and have been non-detectable for 10 years now. I have been on antiretrovirals the entire time, have tolerated them fairly well and have never been seriously ill. I started with a CD4 of 80 and have been above 350 for many years going as high as 670 in 2007. In 2008, my CD4 is 505. My viral load remains non-detectable. I know enough to be very grateful.
Also, as a sidebar note. I experienced facial wasting ten years ago and had facial filler (Sculptra) injections last year. I must say that the results, even after two sessions, were amazing. I had three treatments total and I remain extremely pleased with the outcome. I have my face back! I have medium brown skin and suffered no scaring at the injection sites. This process has really given my self-esteem and quality of life a super boost.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Viral load test is a key marker to whether treatment is working. When you achieve a non-detectable or undetectable viral load it shows that the treatment is working.
An undetectable viral load means that the level of HIV in your blood is below the threshhold needed for detection by this test.
Being able to maintain an undetectable viral load for ten years is great. It shows your good adherence and that your treatment is working. So, well done and keep taking your treatment.
This link has more information about different cut off levels for an undetectable viral load – ie 200, 50 and 20 copies/mL.
https://i-base.info/qa/10953
This answer was updated in May 2021 from an original question in February 2008.
Hi Lovedelia,
Once a person’s viral load becomes undetectable they cannot transmit HIV when having sex without a condom. There’s more info about this here:
http://i-base.info/htb/32308
I tested positive by 2010 then started my treament nd now my viral load is non detectable ,i have been sleeping with my partner without a condom but he is still negative.should i continue sleeping with him without protection?
Hi Mugarura,
Unless someone is already known to be positive, when a person who’s status is unknown is tested its very unlikely that their viral load will be tested. Viral load tests are done when its known that someone is positive. As to when they are done, this varies from country to country. Also when someone has an undetectable viral load, viral load testing will be done less often.
When someone does a HIV test, do they also have a viral load test?
Hi Mary,
If your viral load is undetectable without ARVs, this would imply that you might be an elite controller. For more info, please see here:
http://i-base.info/elite-controller/
http://i-base.info/htb/31697
What does it mean when my blood result from lab is undetectable before i even started to take arv treatment?
Hi Rivaldo,
If you adhere to your meds then its very unlikely that you’ll have a viral rebound.
Hay i have underactable viral load so i am asking if it possible fr my viral load to be detactable again if i am on treatment or it will stay undetectable as long as i am talking my medicine very well?
Hi lovers,
Once a persons viral load goes below 50 it means that they are undetectable. Therefore, yes you’re undetectable.This is great news.
I need clarity my viral load is 43. I didn’t ask my nurse further questions but my CD4 count is 600. She told me that my blood shows treatment is working one. So I am asking does that 43 mean my viral load is undetectable?