What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're living with HIV-1 and need to check how well your treatment is working. It measures the amount of virus in your blood (viral load) and, if the level shows your treatment isn't controlling the virus well, it automatically runs a genotype test to see if the virus has become resistant to certain medications. It's commonly used for ongoing monitoring during antiretroviral therapy.

How should I prepare for this test?

How can I naturally support my immune system while on treatment? Getting consistent sleep, eating a balanced diet with enough protein and vegetables, staying hydrated, and managing stress can all help your immune system function better alongside your treatment. Regular moderate exercise and avoiding excess alcohol also support overall health. These habits don't replace antiretroviral therapy but can help your body respond well to it.

What's included in this test?

This panel combines a viral load measurement with an automatic drug resistance check that only runs if needed. The viral load number shows how actively the virus is reproducing, which helps confirm whether your treatment is working. The resistance portion looks at three drug categories to identify if the virus has developed mutations that make certain medications less effective.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal, undetectable, or elevated viral load range means. If your viral load is well controlled, continuing your current routine and retesting on a regular schedule (often every 3-6 months) is a reasonable next step. If your levels are elevated and resistance is detected, the report will outline which drug classes are affected so you can plan next steps quickly. You can download the full lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track your viral load over time.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed. If the genotype resistance portion is triggered by your viral load result, that additional analysis may take a bit longer since it involves a more detailed genetic look at the virus. You'll get a notification as soon as your full report, including any resistance findings, is available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone currently on antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 who needs routine monitoring should consider this test. It's especially useful if your viral load hasn't been fully suppressed on a previous test, since the automatic resistance testing can help explain why. People switching medications or experiencing treatment challenges also benefit from this combined approach.

What does high viral load mean?

A high viral load means the virus is actively multiplying in your blood, which can happen if a treatment regimen isn't fully working or if doses have been missed. This is exactly why this test includes automatic resistance testing, so you can find out if certain drugs are no longer effective for your specific virus. Sticking to your medication schedule consistently and rechecking sooner rather than later is a good next step.

What does low or undetectable viral load mean?

A low or undetectable viral load is the goal for most people on antiretroviral therapy. It means the virus is being controlled well enough that it's very hard to measure, which is linked to better long-term health and a very low chance of transmitting the virus to others. Continuing your current treatment routine and keeping up with regular monitoring is the best way to maintain this result.

What causes an increase in viral load?

Viral load can rise due to missed or inconsistent doses of medication, drug interactions, or the virus developing resistance to your current regimen. Illness, certain other infections, and rarely lab variability can also cause a temporary increase. If your number jumps unexpectedly, retesting and reviewing your medication routine are practical first steps.

How often should I retest?

Many people on stable treatment retest every 3 to 6 months to confirm their viral load stays low. If you've recently started or switched medications, or if a previous result was elevated, more frequent testing (such as every 4-8 weeks) can help confirm the new plan is working. Your testing cadence can be adjusted based on how stable your results have been.

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 & Resistance Test - Treatment Monitoring

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]