Question
Are suppressed and undetectable viral load the same?
13 April 2022. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load.
My viral load result came out less than 40 copies/mL and my doctor says I’m virally suppressed.
I’ve been searching for it and results show we can’t transmit if virally suppressed.
I would like to know what is the difference of viral suppression(less than 40 copies) versus undetectable?
Answer
Hi, how are you?
Yes, these terms are usually used interchangeably.
An undetectable viral load means your viral load is so low that it cannot be detected by tests. However some tests are more sensitive than others and one test may detect a viral load of 80 whereas this is too low for another and would be considered undetectable.
For this reason, generally any viral load is considered undetectable if it is below 200. This is the level for which U=U applies.
Most people who say suppressed viral load, also mean being “suppressed to undetectable on ART”. They have just shortened the term. Technically, they might just mean viral load has been reduced or lowered, so it might be worth checking the context.
In your case you have a suppressed viral load and for the purposes of U=U are also considered undetectable.
Josh.
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