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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Have A Detectable Viral Load First In 15 Years!

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Seattle, WA

Got blood results from my HIV doc the other day and they were surprising. I guess we kind of take it for granted we will have an undetectable viral load not having one so many years. But when you do it kind of freaked me out. The weird thing is my CD 4 count was over 1,000. He is going to retake the test. Hopefully a glitch. But if not he will be changing my meds.

Anyone else have a detectable viral load or have one come and go? Just wondering?

February 25, 2020
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone experiencing their first detectable viral load in 15 years, with the overwhelming consensus being that... Read more

Members rallied around someone experiencing their first detectable viral load in 15 years, with the overwhelming consensus being that temporary blips are common and usually resolve upon retesting. Many community members described similar experiences where detectable results turned out to be lab errors, processing delays, or natural fluctuations in the body, with viral loads returning to undetectable levels on the second test. A recurring theme was trust in your medical team, patience through the uncertainty, and the reassurance that occasional blips do not necessarily signal treatment failure or a reason for immediate concern.

A myHIVteam Member

I am detectable being retested today praying for the best but feeling ok. Pray for u all its been since my first exposure. God is able keep your head up.

February 25, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

Im still undetectable. I have my doctor's appointment this afternoon

February 25, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

It also happened to me..the Dr reordered my test and they came back undetectable..the Dr stated that the lab must have left out my blood sample to long..so just retest and see if the outcome is different..best of luck..

February 25, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

Good luck with it, and to all the others too. I’ve been U for 22 years now - apart from 1 time when I tested detectable! I’m lucky as it doesn’t bother me, but I can understand your concern - the retest should set you mind at ease, it’s usually a lab error. Good luck.

February 26, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

The retest should confirm whether this was an anomaly such as the sample or testing machine being contaminated.

February 25, 2020

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