What is a viral load test?
The viral load test is a medical test to determine how many copies of the virus are present in the patient's blood. This testing is used to collect information about the severity of the infection. Viral load testing is used in the diagnosis, treatment and long -term monitoring of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C and cytomegalovirus. Many laboratories have the ability to process patient samples presented for viral load test.
To perform a viral load test, several different methods can be used. Once the method is used, it is important to continue using the same method, because reading may vary between methods. Switching back and forth between different methods will provide inconsistent results. This could endanger the patient or create false information about the progress of the patient that could lead to poor medical decisions. High viral loads indicate more serious infections, protrumThere are more copies of the virus. Changes in viral burden may show the progress of the patient. If the load is reduced, this means that the patient reacts to medicines. If it increases, the infection deteriorates and either the current treatment methods do not work, or the patient has difficulty compliance with the treatment plan.
The most popular test result is a low or undetectable result. It is important to note that undetectable results do not mean that the virus has been removed. Copies of the virus can still be present in the body, sometimes tangled in cells instead of floating freely into body fluids such as blood. Therefore, the patient with an undetectable result was not cured, but responds very well to treatment. If the levels may remain low or undetectable medicines and other treatment, the patient is likely to survive longer.
When people are originally diagnosed with viral infections such as HIV, the doctor usually asks for the number of viral loads to makeHe created a baseline that will be used to monitor the patient over time. The following tests will be used to monitor the course of treatment and regularly re -evaluate patients to confirm that their treatment is still effective. If the viral load test shows change, the doctor and the patient may discuss new treatment for change.