![]() These include two types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. Several types of white blood cells carry out immune responses. Having too few CD4 cells means that the immune system will no longer function as it is should, leaving people prone to opportunistic illnesses. This kills the cells, causing their number to decrease over time. ![]() HIV prefers to enter CD4 cells in order to multiple. For example, a viral load that goes from 100,000 down to 100 is a 3-log reduction.Ī CD4 T cell is a type of immune system white blood cell. These cells coordinate the activities of other immune system cells that fight viruses, bacteria and cancer. Logs are also used to measure changes in viral load. Therefore, 2 log means 100 copies, 3 log means 1,000 copies (or more accurately 10 x 10 x 10), etc. In the simplest terms, 1 log represents one “0”. (HIV-2 is usually found in West and Central Africa.) Three testing techniques may be used: RT-PCR (or simply PCR), branched DNA (bDNA) or NASBA.Ī “log” is a term scientists use to refer to amounts in this case, it is copies of HIV RNA. HIV-1 is the most common type ofHIV seen in the U.S. The number of copies ofHIV RNA found by the test. Here’s what a viral load test report looks like: If resistance is detected, it may be time to change your regimen to include drugs that can fully suppress HIV. Genotypic tests, which analyze viral genetic sequences, are most commonly used phenotypic tests look what happens when HIV is exposed to a drug in a laboratory. If this happens, it’s important to get a drug resistance test done these tests are most accurate when viral load is at least 1,000 copies. Increasing viral load over time can also mean that HIV has developed resistance to one or more drugs in the regimen. In any case, this should be discussed and resolved with your health care provider. It could also mean that a drug interaction is preventing HIV meds from fully controlling the virus. This could mean a person is struggling with adherence or having trouble getting refills consistently. However, a trend of increasing viral load over time is a bigger concern. This could be due to a lab error or indicate that a person has another infection, but often there is no known reason. This is usually nothing to worry about. ![]() Sometimes an occasional, temporary rise called a “blip” can occur. Once a person is on treatment and has achieved viral suppression, viral load can rise again for a few reasons. Viral load should also be tested if treatment appears to be failing or if clinically indicated. After that, viral load should be monitored every three to six months. If viral load is detectable at that point, testing should be repeated every four to eight weeks until it falls below 200. Some treatment combinations, known as maintenance therapy, are only recommended for people who are switching medications after they already have an undetectable viral load.ĭepartment of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines recommend getting a viral load test when you first seek care for HIV, when antiretroviral treatment is started or modified and again at two to eight weeks after starting or switching therapy. When starting treatment, certain HIV medications are not recommended for people with a high viral load above 100,000 copies. Viral load tests are used to monitor how well HIV treatment is working and whether it’s time to switch to a new regimen. ![]() Some tests used for research are more sensitive and can measure down to a single copy. If your result comes back “not detected” or “undetectable,” your viral load is very low, known as viral suppression. Standard HIV RNA viral loads tests usually can measure down to 50 or sometimes 20 copies. There is no normal range for viral load-the point of HIV treatment is to keep it as low as possible for as long as possible. RNA tests are usually used for routine blood monitoring, but DNA tests can sometimes detect hidden HIV even if an RNA test is undetectable. Two types of HIV genetic material may be measured, RNA or DNA. This test measures the number of copies of HIV’s genetic material in a small amount of blood. But it’s still important to get the recommended tests to keep tabs on your overall health and make sure your treatment is still working well. With today’s effective and well-tolerated antiretroviral treatment, people living with HIV no longer require monitoring as often as they used to. In order for your health care team to know how best to care for you and manage your HIV, blood tests should be done on a regular basis. ![]()
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