Viral load tests count the number of virus copies in a patient’s blood to determine the severity of an infection. They are used for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and cytomegalovirus. Consistent testing methods are important, and undetectable results do not mean the virus is eradicated. Testing is used to monitor treatment effectiveness.
A viral load test is a medical test performed to determine how many copies of a virus are present in a patient’s blood. This test is used to gather information about the severity of an infection. Viral load testing is used in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, and cytomegalovirus. Many labs have the capability to process patient samples sent for a viral load test.
Several methods can be used to perform a viral load test. Once a method has been used, it is important to continue using the same method because readings can vary between methods. Switching back and forth between different methods will give inconsistent results. This could endanger the patient or create false information about the patient’s progress which could lead to poor medical decisions.
In the viral load test, a sample of body fluid such as blood is analyzed and the number of copies of the virus is counted to return a value in terms of viral units per given unit of body fluid. High viral loads indicate more severe infections because there are multiple copies of the virus. Changes in viral load can show the patient’s progress. If the load decreases, it means that the patient is responding to the drugs. If it increases, the infection is getting worse and current treatment methods are not working or the patient is having difficulty sticking to the treatment plan.
The most ideal test result is a low or undetectable result. It is important to be aware that undetectable results do not mean that the virus has been eradicated. Copies of the virus may still be present in the body, sometimes entangled in cells instead of floating freely in bodily fluids such as blood. Therefore, a patient with an undetectable result has not been treated, but is responding very well to treatment. If levels can be kept low or undetectable with medications and other treatments, the patient is likely to survive longer.
When people are initially diagnosed with viral infections such as HIV, a doctor will usually request a viral load count to create a baseline that will be used to monitor the patient over time. Subsequent tests will be used to monitor the course of treatment and to periodically reevaluate patients to confirm that their treatment is still effective. If a viral load test shows a change, the doctor and patient can discuss a new course of treatment to address the change.
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