+91 8013693656 newmedilifediagnosticcentre@gmail.com Diagnostic care in Kolkata
Call for current timings
Microbiology Home collection available

Human Immunodeficiency virus Type-1 (HIV-1) RNA Quantitative PCR

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report in2-3 days

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn 2-3 days

About this test

HIV-1 viral load measures how many copies of HIV-1 virus are in your blood. It is the main test to check how well HIV treatment (ART) is working.

Why is this test done?

  • Check how well HIV medicines are working
  • Measure viral load at diagnosis
  • Detect treatment failure early

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Known HIV infection on treatment
  • Missed doses of ART
  • New infections or weight loss

Normal range

HIV-1 RNA Not detected copies/mL

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

A detectable or rising viral load means the virus is multiplying. Your doctor will check adherence and may change medicines.

Common reasons
  • Untreated HIV
  • Missed doses
  • Drug resistance

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

An "undetectable" viral load, which protects your health and stops spread to partners.

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in 2-3 days after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

You may also need

Related tests

View all