Question
Is my viral load of 91 copies/mL a blip?
24 December 2017. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
I was undetectable with CD4 of 550 cells/mm3 and three months later my CD4 is 845. My viral load was detectable at 90 copies/mL is it a blip? I cannot understand why my CD is increasing and I am detectable.
Answer
Hi
Without more details about your personal HIV and treatment history, I can only give a general answer.
Firstly, CD4 count can vary a lot without meaning there is a difference in you immune system. This means both these CD4 results will only be approximate and the real results can vary from day to day.
Secondly, viral load blips are very common. If your viral load was undetectable before and you have been taking meds every day, this is more likely to be a blip than a viral rebound. It could also be a test error.
In the UK, the test would be run again on either the same blood sample or on a new sample.
Hi Hi my Name is Mohammad,
Since your diagnoses have you started medication? Do you know what your CD4 count is?
I was diagnosed and viral load is 200 should I worry?
Hi Thomas,
The nurse is right, you’re doing well. The change in your viral load is likely to be a lab error, however it should be undetectable by now, so less than 50. Do you know what your CD4 count is?
Good Day
When i started the treatment it was September 2018, and the Doctor told me that i was on stage 3 and i was very sick by that time. I didn’t know how much was my Virul load. Then March this year my Virul load was 91. Then after three (3) Month my Virul load was 94, meaning it was up by 3. Should i get worried, and why is my Virul load increased by 3? I take my medication everyday at the same time. I’m taking Tribuss/Atenef once at night. I’m so stressed even though the Nurse said i must not worried the treatment is working well.
Hi Thomas,
In the UK 91 is still classified as being detectable, though in America it would be undetectable. By now your viral load should be undetectable, however for some people it can take longer than the recommended 1-3 months. Have you talked to your doctor about this?
With regards to risk. The data from the PARTNER study if based on people who had a viral load of less than 200. So no there shouldn’t be a risk.
When I started it was over 1500 if correctly. (Now I’m 91 Copies) Meaning 91 Copies is still detectable? After 6 month taking treatment, is this mean the treatment is working correctly? Or is there any problem? I’m taking my Meds everyday and at the same time. Does this mean I can infect anyone I sleep with without a condom even if I’m less than 200 Copies?
Hi Thomas,
It sounds like the nurse is taking about your viral load, so the amount of HIV that is in your blood. 91 is good, however it’s still classified as being detectable. What was it when you started?
Good day
My name is Thomas, I have being on Arv treatment for 7 month now! I tested and the result can back 91 Copies! I really don’t understand what does realy mean the nurse just said it good results. Please tell me more about it