Viral Load Measurement: Why It Is Done

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Why It Is Done

A viral load measurement test is done to:

• Monitor changes in the HIV infection.
• Guide treatment choices.
• Monitor how well treatment is working.

While you and your health professional may set up a different schedule for the test, the most common schedule is the following:

• If you are not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), your viral load should be measured every 3 to 4 months.
• If you are receiving antiretroviral medication treatment:
  • A viral load measurement is taken before you start treatment; this is your baseline measurement.
  • Another viral load measurement is taken 4 to 8 weeks after you start treatment to determine your response to the medications. When you start treatment or switch to new medications, some decrease in your viral load is expected.
  • If the expected decrease in viral load occurs and your CD4+ cell count remains stable, your viral load will be measured every 3 to 4 months. The CD4+ count monitors how well your immune system is working.

Your health professional may consider your viral load measurement along with your CD4+ count to decide when to start antiretroviral therapy.

Last updated:	March 01, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer