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Viral load is a measurement of how much HIV is present in your blood. A sample of blood is taken and sent to a lab for testing. Results are expressed as the number of copies of the virus per millilitre of blood. Each virus is called a "copy" because HIV reproduces by making copies of itself (replicating).
The viral load test is used to see if your medicines are working.
Current as of: September 8, 2022
Author: Healthwise StaffClinical Review Board: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicinePeter Shalit MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Peter Shalit MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
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