Getting Tested
-Considerations
-Who should be tested
-How often
-Viral Load Results
-References

Slide Rule

Following consultation between the doctor and the person considering a viral load test, a decision may be made to measure the viral load. The doctor or clinic will arrange for a blood sample to be obtained which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.

The AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR™ Test is the only product for viral load measurement that is currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It can be used as a clinical "tool" to predict disease progression and to evaluate the effects of antiretroviral drug therapy.

For more information on viral load and disease progression click here

Testing for the amount of HIV in the blood (or viral load) with the AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR™ Test involves a simple blood test. Once obtained the blood is sent to the laboratory where the amount of viral RNA (a measure of the amount of HIV) contained in sample is measured using a technology called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).