HIV RNA Test

An HIV RNA test, also known as an HIV viral load test, is a type of blood test that measures the amount of HIV RNA, or genetic material, present in the blood. This test is used to determine the level of HIV in the body, which can help monitor the progression of the virus and assess the effectiveness of HIV treatment.

The HIV RNA test is often used in conjunction with other tests, such as CD4 cell count and HIV antibody tests, to provide a comprehensive picture of a person's HIV infection status. It is typically recommended for individuals who have been recently diagnosed with HIV, are starting or changing HIV treatment, or are monitoring the progression of their infection.

Results of an HIV RNA test are usually reported as the number of copies of HIV RNA per milliliter of blood. A lower viral load generally indicates that the HIV treatment is effective in controlling the virus, while a higher viral load may indicate that the treatment needs adjustment.