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
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.
I saw someone who was born with hiv and had been on medication fully without defaulting for over three months and they tested negative in a home hiv kit test
How is that possible
Hi Mbali, what was the type of at home test they had used? and do you know if their status was confirmed with a second test after being born?
Treatment can work to suppress HIV viral load. Some people consider this a negative test when the viral load is undetectable, however it does not mean someone is HIV negative. Instead it means that treatment is working so well the virus is not active, but testing for antibodies will remain positive. Since having this negative test have they been to a clinic to confirm the result?
Please see here for more information about testing: https://i-base.info/guides/testing
Hi Tarisai, after starting treatment nearly everyone will achieve an undetectable status by 3 months. For the majority of people this will happen within the first month of treatment following good adherence.
How long have you been taking treatment yourself?
how long does it take to be undictatable?
Hi Jk, 98 copies means your viral load is being suppressed by treatment. A viral load this low is excellent. It means HIV is not damaging your immune system and you can’t pass on HIV.
A viral load below 200 while on treatment allows U=U to apply. This stands for undetectable = untransmissable meaning that HIV cannot be passed on via sex even without a condom.
U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
More information about viral load can be found here: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/viral-load
What does 98 copies mean under medication of one year