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 Kitty,
Please see the following:
http://i-base.info/htb/32308
Hi, I’m a female and my viral load is lower than detectable levels but my concern is would it be safe to allow my boyfriend to do handjob and oral sex?
Hi Tina,
If your viral load has risen it could be a blip, or an indication that the meds aren’t working as they should be. If possible you should have it rechecked. If its still above detectable levels, this will need to be discussed with your doctor.
I was diagnosed a year-and-a-half ago and every time I go to the doctor they tell me it’s undetectable but then I find out that my score is at 280 is that good or bad
Hi Trosky,
Having an undetectable viral load is fantastic. It means that he meds are working and working really well. It means that you’re in control of your HIV and that you can’t transmit HIV when having sexual intercourse.
My results for viral load came as lower than detectable limit.ls it good or bad thing
Hi Habiba,
Info about viral loads can be found here:
http://i-base.info/qa/4669
My sister is HIV positive, she’s been on ARV therapy for a year plus. For how long will she be taken treatment before her viral load will be undetatable.
Hi John,
Is your daughter under specialist pediatric care. How is she now?
My daughter just teted positive at 10 yrs old her cd4 was at 5 and viral was at 125000 she was born with it and survived pneumonia for a year before being diagnosed. Her viral now at 31 and cd4 at 75