HIV-1, RNA Quantitative PCR Test

HIV is the name of an incurable disease that is caused by the HIV virus. Detecting the presence of this harmful disease in the body is extremely necessary to seek medical attention on time. However, the HIV 1 RNA Quantitative PCR test is performed for a different reason. People who are already suffering from HIV infection and are going through medical treatments are usually suggested to go for this particular test. The main reason behind performing this test is to detect the viral load in a person who is suffering from HIV. In other words, this test helps to assess the severity of the disease in an individual. It must be noted that this test is not meant to be performed to diagnose this disease in a human body.

When to go for this test?

When it becomes necessary to monitor the treatment response for HIV-1 infection or measure the progression of HIV-1 infection in an individual’s body, then the doctors may suggest to go for this test. Mainly the main objective of this test is to detect the viral load in a person before starting necessary treatments.

Test preparations

No particular preparation is necessary before appearing for an HIV 1 RNA Quantitative PCR test. However, it is still a wise decision to have a brief consultation with the doctors to know about the instructions that should be followed during the test. Also, mention all the medications you are taking when you will be appearing for this test. Fortunately, the HIV 1 RNA Quantitative PCR test price is not really too high these days.

Sample requirements

A specific amount of blood will be collected from your vein, on which this particular test will be performed. Don’t forget to inform your doctor immediately if you face any kind of uneasiness during the blood sample collection process. Also, this would be a better option for you if you go for the facilities of HIV 1 RNA Quantitative PCR test at home.

Result interpretation

The test report will show if the viral load has been detected or it is undetected. If the viral load is detected, it will be mentioned in copies/ml.

What is HIV?

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a particular type of virus that causes the deadly disease named AIDS.

How does HIV transmit?

The most common HIV transmission causes include needle sharing, exposure to blood and other body fluid or sexual intercourse with any individual who is carrying the seed of this infection in the body.

What is the cure for HIV?

No remedies have been introduced so far that can cure HIV. This is an incurable infection.

How to avoid getting infected?

Always use protection during physical intercourse. Also, stay away from drug abuse as that can keep you away from sharing needles.

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

Most common HIV infection symptoms may include fatigue, fever, chills, rash, night sweats, watery diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, difficulty to swallow, white tongue, red blotches, malaise, loss of appetite, weight loss etc.

What happens when someone gets infected with HIV?

When someone gets HIV, the body’s natural immune system starts to get weaker and you start getting more vulnerable to diseases and infections.

What to do after you get a positive result for an HIV test?

Nowadays, medical science has developed a lot. So if you keep taking necessary medications till the end and stay away from bad lifestyle habits then it may be possible for you to live a healthy life. Infected people who take medications and tests in a proper manner can expect to live as long as the non-infected ones these days.

Is it necessary to get my sexual partner tested also?

It would be a wise decision because the test only examines your body and looks for the presence of the disease in your body. Even if you get a negative test report, your partner may still have the seed of this disease in the body.

Does HIV get transmitted through saliva?

No, HIV does not get transmitted through sweat, saliva or tears.