When Is Viral Load Testing Inappropriate?
The vast majority of people concerned about HIV infection do not need viral load testing. In nearly all cases, this is not a test we recommend for assessing one’s HIV status. • Why shouldn’t someone use a PCR test to get quicker HIV test results? Answer: Because the test was not designed for that purpose, it could easily report either false positive or false negative, it is much more expensive than antibody testing (and not covered by insurance for this purpose), it is confidential, rather than anonymous testing, and any PCR result must be followed by an antibody test after the appropriate interval in order to be meaningful. • Can someone get a PCR test to diagnose HIV faster than antibody screening? Answer: Yes, if they are willing to pay for it. But: • Does it give them a true report of their HIV status? Answer: NO! They will still need an antibody test later, after waiting through the window period. In many cases, people who want PCR testing to determine their HIV status are highly
