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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.

Viral Load

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
New Brunswick, NJ

I’m so confused on what is considered undectable. First I hear 200 or under was considered undectable,then they came out with other sensitive tests that say under 50 is undectable. Now it’s under 20. What’s next another sensitive viral load test that measures under 10. So confusing. I’m at 40 am I considered undectable with a 657 cd 4 count? My doctor says I’m doing fine but that doesn’t answer the question any thoughts?

March 5 (edited)
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A myHIVteam Member

Jim the bar keeps getting lower soon it will be <0 so I guess everyone on here is right worry when it gets higher then your last test and call it a day lol

March 5 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

Believe me, I've been positive since 1986.
The U=U bar wasn't even a thing until decades later.
200 is the "You must be this low to be considered Undetectable" Bar.
Then 60...
And 20...
I think 10 or lower will be possible, although I do not see a viable way to get to absolute zero,
Regardless of U=U, you want to get as close to zero as possible, because any viral load can point to at least a miniscule Viral Resistance to your current meds.
Now, can we ever get to absolute zero, no, as there are small reserves in the body that we cannot cleanse yet, but they stay so small and tucked away that when they are in the blood out of there reserves they are almost instantly eradicated.
And in any case, 200 or less for 6 months is the global benchmark by which all detectability levels are measured, even when we get to more and more sensitive levels.

March 5
A myHIVteam Member

According to the WHO (World Health Organization) 200 and below is Undetectable.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control, US) 60 is undetectable.
For most Infectious Disease Doctors, 20 or less is the benchmark for Undetectable.
But really, less than 200 is a minimum, 60 is good, 20 is best. As always, you need to be there for a sustained 6 months to insure Untransmitablilty.
And yes, I just bade that word up, but for those persons living with HIV, it is an essential word.
Hope this helps, Habibi..
But as always, please talk to your PCP or ID Doctor for the best advice on Viral Loads..

March 5
A myHIVteam Member

Hey, Brad. Just make it really simple for yourself. Medical science will change. right now , It's less than 20 copies is considered Undetectable, the only thing you have to concern yourself with is if you're dating or sexually active.
In today's science <20 means that you can't spread it to anyone else. And have unsafe sex. You can also conceive a child and the child will be H. I V negative. .... Just keep up what you're doing ....when you start dating or having sex then these numbers become more important.

March 5 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

You're doing well. Under 200 is great. The thing about the viral load is simply as long as it's not increasing because that demonstrates that your medicine is not being effective if your numbers are constantly going up. 😍

March 5

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