How many copies of HIV are considered undetectable?

When copies of HIV cannot be detected by standard viral load tests, an HIV-positive person is said to have an “undetectable viral load.” For most tests used clinically today, this means fewer than 50 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood (<50 copies/mL). Reaching an undetectable viral load is a key goal of ART.

Is a viral load of 20 undetectable?

When a person has very little virus, they are said to have an ‘undetectable’ viral load. Viral load is measured in units called ‘copies’. The standard blood tests used in UK clinics can measure viral load down to 20 or 50 copies per millilitre of blood. Anything less than this is called ‘undetectable’.

Is 40 viral load undetectable?

A viral load of 40 is excellent. This means that you’re undetectable, and that you can’t transmit HIV through sexual intercourse. It also means that there will be less risk to your baby.

What does lower than detectable mean?

When someone is told that they are lower than detectable, this is referring to your viral load. Put simply, it means that your HIV is under control.

Is Undetectable the same as negative?

If you’re undetectable, you will still test positive for HIV. This is expected, and doesn’t mean that your treatment is not working.

Is a viral load of 50 undetectable?

More recently-developed tests can measure levels of virus as low as between 20 – 50. With these tests, only people with viral loads <50 (and sometimes <20) are considered to be undetectable.

Is 30 viral load undetectable?

As treatment progresses, the viral load can become so low that it is undetectable in a test. An undetectable viral load will be under 40 to 75 copies in a blood sample. This means there are relatively few copies of HIV in the blood.

What does a viral load of 60 mean?

People with an undetectable viral load sometimes experience what are called ‘blips’ in their viral load. Their viral load increases from undetectable to a low but detectable level before becoming undetectable again on the next test. For example, your viral load may temporarily rise to 60 copies/ml or 150 copies/ml.

What does lower than undetectable viral load mean?

A low or undetectable viral load indicates the immune system is actively working to help keep HIV in check. Knowing these numbers helps determine a person’s treatment.

What viral load is considered undetectable?

The point at which a viral load is classified as being undetectable may vary across different countries depending on the tests available. But so long as your viral load is under 200 copies per millilitre, you’re considered virally suppressed and unable to pass HIV on.

What does durably undetectable mean?

A person’s viral load is considered “durably undetectable” when all viral load test results are undetectable for at least six months after their first undetectable test result. This means that most people will need to be on treatment for 7 to 12 months to have a durably undetectable viral load.

What happens if you have an undetectable HIV viral load?

People with undetectable viral loads can’t pass HIV on through sex. To know that you’re undetectable, you must have your viral load monitored regularly. Remember your viral load can change. If you stop taking your treatment properly your viral load will go up again.

What does undetectable equals untransmittable mean for people living with HIV?

The undetectable equals untransmittable message empowers people living with HIV to care for their health by getting to and remaining undetectable, and reduces HIV stigma by challenging the assumption that people living with HIV pose a “risk” to others. Treatment as prevention is just one strategy for preventing new HIV infections.

What is the normal viral load for HIV infection?

A typical viral load in someone not taking treatment may be 50,000 copies/ml. There is still a considerable risk of passing HIV on. After starting HIV treatment, viral load usually falls rapidly. Within three to six months, most people’s viral load has become undetectable.

What happens if I’m undetectable?

If you’re undetectable, you will still test positive for HIV. This is expected, and doesn’t mean that your treatment is not working. Every year, San Francisco AIDS Foundation conducts more than 15,000 HIV tests. People from all over the Bay Area—even all over the world—access our services find out their HIV status.