Question
What is an undetectable viral load?
27 March 2012. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
What is an undetectable viral load? I had thought it was less than 50 but when I got my results today mine was 42 (down from 82 last time). Can labs measure almost any level of virus these days?
Answer
An undetectable viral load means that the level of HIV in your blood is below the threshold needed for detection by this test.
A viral load test is a measurement of the amount of HIV in your body. The measurement is given in the number of copies in milliliter (copies/mL).
If you are on treatment, then your viral load should go down to undetectable level (less than 50 copies/mL). Once your viral load goes down, then slowly your CD4 count will increase, although not to the level before infection.
Since your viral load has reduced from 82 to 42, this is a good indication that your treatment is working for you. It is also possible for your viral load can go down further too.
Viral load technology has progressed during the last 30 years of HIV history. The tests have been greatly improved and tests used for research are even more sensitive – down to 5 or even 1 copy/mL.
All hospitals in the UK now routinely use viral load tests that measure down to 20, 40 or 50 copies/mL.
Hi Leah,
When someone is thinking about the risks of transmission what’s important is their viral load, not their CD4 count. If your viral load is undetectable then there isn’t any risk. If its detectable then there’s a risk of transmission. Do you know what your viral load is?
Hi. My CD4 is above 200. My partner and I don’t use protection. Thing is when we had sex for the first time , we didn’t use protection solely because everything happened very fast. I don’t know how i must tell him this. I am just scared that he will leave me.
What are the chances of him being infected. How do I explain myself to him after this. Please help.
Hi Rose,
Though undetectable means under 50, its very unlikely that your partner will be at risk. Is this the first time your viral load has been above 50 since you became undetectable? Is your doctor going to monitored your viral load?
I started Art in 2014, my viral load have been undetectable recently it was 83 and I have been having unprotected sex with my partner. I have been consistent with my meds. Wont this affect my partner
Hi Sipokazi,
Are you on medication? If you are and your viral load is undetectable then its fine to have without using as condom. Please see Q’s 9 and 14 here: http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
If you aren’t undetectable then your partner could use PrEP, or they’d need to accept any risk.
Hey I’m dating this guy and have told him about my status he is -tive the problem knw is when we having sex he becomes uncomfortable with the condom he says it is too tight so my question is what can we do cause it’s affecting our sex life.
Hi Motlaso,
What’s your CD4 count? Is there any reason why you’ve chosen not to take medication?
I was diagnosed HIV + in 2006 up until today I didn’t took any medication an am doing well. How possible is that? Or it means am a carrier?
Hi Mbali,
A viral load of 20 is excellent. It means that your HIV is under control. You’re doing fantastic. Well done.
My viral load is 20 I don’t know my cd4 count is it bad or good