What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're already diagnosed with HIV-1 and need to track how the virus is responding to treatment. It measures the actual amount of virus in your blood, which helps show whether antiretroviral therapy is working or whether the virus is under control. It's not used to find out if you have HIV in the first place - it's for people already managing a known diagnosis.

What's included in this test?

This test focuses on a single, highly specific measurement: the amount of HIV-1 genetic material circulating in your blood plasma. Because HIV levels can rise or fall depending on how well treatment is working, this number is one of the most important markers for tracking disease progress and treatment response over time.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with your viral load number and a clear explanation of what the normal or undetectable range looks like. If your viral load is elevated, the report will point out that this may mean your current treatment approach needs a closer look, and retesting at regular intervals is the standard way to keep tabs on trends. You can download a lab report to keep for your own records anytime. The trends feature lets you track your viral load over multiple tests so you can see whether it's moving in the right direction.

How can I naturally support my immune system during HIV treatment?

While nothing replaces consistent antiretroviral therapy, certain habits can support your body's overall resilience. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein helps keep your immune system functioning well. Regular sleep, moderate exercise, stress management, and avoiding alcohol or tobacco can also make a noticeable difference in how you feel day to day.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. Because this test requires specialized lab processing to measure viral RNA levels precisely, it takes a bit longer than routine bloodwork. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is meant for people who are already confirmed to have HIV-1 and are either starting antiretroviral therapy or currently on treatment. It's especially useful if you want to establish a baseline viral load or check whether your treatment is keeping the virus suppressed. It is not appropriate for someone trying to find out if they have HIV for the first time.

What does a high viral load result mean?

A high viral load means there's a larger amount of HIV genetic material in your blood, which can suggest the virus is actively replicating and treatment may not be fully controlling it. This doesn't automatically mean something is wrong with your health today, but it's an important signal to look at your treatment plan. Bringing this result to your next visit for treatment planning is a reasonable next step.

What does a low or undetectable viral load mean?

A low or undetectable viral load is generally the goal for people on antiretroviral therapy - it means the virus is being kept under strong control. This is linked to better long-term health outcomes and a much lower chance of transmitting the virus to others. Keeping up with your treatment routine and retesting on schedule helps make sure it stays that way.

What causes viral load to rise even during treatment?

Viral load can rise if doses of medication are missed, if the treatment regimen isn't fully matched to the specific strain of virus, or if drug resistance has developed over time. Interactions with other medications or supplements can sometimes play a role as well. Retesting after any changes to your routine can help clarify what's driving the change.

How often should I retest my viral load?

Many people on antiretroviral therapy retest every 3 to 4 months, especially in the first year of treatment or after any changes to their regimen. Once viral load is stable and undetectable, some people space out testing further. Checking the trends feature in your account can help you and your care routine decide on the right interval for you.

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 Treatment Response

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]