HIV-1 RNA - Quantitative - Real-Time PCR Test

Real time PCR HIV test

It is a blood test used to detect viral load (HIV-1 RNA levels) in an individual who has documented HIV -1 infection. This test is also called HIV-1 RNA quantitative RT-PCR test. This test is not used for the diagnosis of HIV infection.

A person can get HIV infection in the following ways:

• By exposure to infected blood, blood products, and other body fluids
• Sharing infected needles in drug abuse
• Through sexual contact with an infected person
• From infected mother to her child

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes damage to cells known as CD4 cells that helps a person fight the infection. Thus, this virus reduces the immunity of the person and makes the person prone to multiple infections and diseases. If medications for HIV infection called as antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not initiated, it may progress to late stage called as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). At present, there is no treatment for HIV infection, so if a person has this infection, he has that lifelong.

The method used for Real time PCR HIV test is called real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification. This test should be done in conjunction with clinical presentation, symptoms, and other laboratory markers such as CD4 counts.

Why is real time PCR HIV test prescribed?

The health care provider may prescribe HIV-1 RNA quantitative RT PCR test for the following purpose:

• To find out baseline viral load before starting treatment of HIV-1 infection (also called anti-retroviral therapy)
• To detect progression of HIV-1 infection in an individual
• To look for a response to treatment of HIV-1 infection
• To detect drug resistance in individuals on antiretroviral drug therapy
• To assess the prognosis in HIV-1 infection

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for the HIV-1 RNA quantitative RT-PCR test is taken from blood by inserting a small needle into the vein of your arm. A small quantity of blood is then collected in a test tube or vial. A small amount of blood is then collected in a test tube or vial. You may feel some pain due to a needle prick. You may need to do 12 hours of fasting before the test

Reference range

The result can be either undetected viral load or detected viral load.

If the viral load is detected it is mentioned in copies/ml. Real time PCR HIV test can detect viral load range from 20 copies/ml to 10000000 copies/ml