viral load test

A viral load test measures the amount of HIV in a person’s blood. It indicates how actively the virus is replicating, which helps doctors assess the effectiveness of treatment and how well the immune system is being protected. The test results are reported as the number of HIV copies per milliliter of blood. Lower or undetectable viral loads usually mean the treatment is working well, reducing the risk of AIDS and transmission to others. Regular viral load testing is essential for managing HIV effectively and making informed treatment decisions.