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HIV Viral Load
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?This test measures the amount of HIV in your blood, lymph nodes, spleen, and other parts of your body. “Viral load” means the number of HIV particles or copies of the virus present in the blood.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is drawn by needle from a vein in your arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
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This article was last reviewed on
March 7, 2005.
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