What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're already diagnosed with HIV-1 and need to know how much virus is active in your blood. It helps if you have concerns about how well your treatment is working or if you're wondering whether your infection is progressing. Your care team can also use this to decide when antiretroviral therapy should start.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the amount of HIV-1 virus genetic material circulating in your blood, known as your viral load. Tracking this number over time shows whether the virus is being controlled and how your body is responding to any treatment you're on. If your levels are high, the test can automatically move to a genotype analysis to check for resistance patterns.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account with the viral load number explained alongside the normal reference range. If your viral load is elevated, next steps typically include retesting on a regular schedule to track trends and considering lifestyle habits that support your immune system, such as consistent sleep, good nutrition, and avoiding substances that stress the liver. A full downloadable lab report is available in your account at any time. You can also track your viral load over time using the trends feature to see whether it's rising, falling, or holding steady.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. You'll get a notification once they're posted in your account, where you can view the numbers along with an explanation of what they mean. If a genotype reflex test is triggered, that may add a little extra time since it's a more detailed analysis.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone currently living with HIV-1 who wants to track how active the virus is in their body should consider this test. It's especially useful for people starting or adjusting antiretroviral therapy, since it helps show whether the treatment is working. People who recently learned they're HIV-positive also use this test to establish a baseline viral load.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

You might consider this test if you've already tested positive for HIV antibodies and need a follow-up to check disease activity. Symptoms like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, recurring infections, or swollen lymph nodes in someone who is HIV-positive can be reasons to check viral load. It's also used even without symptoms, simply to monitor infection status regularly.

How can I naturally support my immune system during treatment?

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein helps give your immune system the nutrients it needs. Regular exercise, consistent sleep, and stress management can also support your body's ability to fight infection. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol are simple steps that reduce extra strain on your immune system.

What does a high viral load mean?

A high viral load means there's a large amount of HIV-1 virus actively multiplying in your blood. This usually suggests that the infection is not currently well controlled, whether from not being on treatment or treatment not working as intended. It's a signal to look closely at your treatment plan and retest to confirm the trend.

What does a low or undetectable viral load mean?

A low or undetectable viral load means the amount of virus in your blood is very small or too low to measure. This is generally a good sign that antiretroviral therapy is working effectively to control the infection. People who maintain an undetectable viral load also have a very low chance of transmitting HIV to others.

How often should I retest my viral load?

Many people monitor viral load every few months, especially when starting or changing treatment, to make sure the numbers are moving in the right direction. Once your levels are stable and undetectable, retesting less frequently, such as every six months, is common. Using the trends feature in your account makes it easy to see these patterns over time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HIV-1 Viral Load Test - Monitor Infection & Treatment

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]