HIV-1 RNA Detection by Taqman RT-PCR

This test detects the presence of HIV-1 RNA in your blood.

• To detect early-stage acute or chronic HIV infections and monitor them
• To evaluate the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy
• To assess the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have

• flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue,
• a recent high-risk exposure to HIV such as unprotected sex with someone who has HIV, sharing needles with someone who has HIV, or receiving a blood transfusion,
• a previous diagnosis of HIV and are monitoring your infection, or
• pregnancy and are at risk of transmitting the infection to their child.

If the test is positive, it means that you have an active HIV-1 infection. False-positive results may also occur due to several reasons such as pregnancy, a recent vaccination, or technical issues with the test.

A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from your arm and send it to a laboratory for testing.

• No fasting or special diets are required.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications and if you have any specific requirements.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you have had any recent vaccinations, as they can interfere with the test result.

• HIV antibody testing: This blood test detects antibodies to HIV and is used to confirm the presence of HIV infection.
• CD4 count: This blood test measures the number of CD4 cells in your body and helps determine the progression of HIV infection.
• Viral load testing: This blood test measures the amount of virus in your blood and helps monitor the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy.

HIV viral load test or RT-PCR for HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system and weakens it. Without treatment, HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which the body's immune system is severely damaged, and one becomes vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers.