physician can use for monitoring the progression of HIV/AIDS

The American Medical Association guidelines for viral testing are as follows:

• Two tests should be performed within 1 or 2 weeks of each other to establish what is known as a baseline viral count. The baseline count provides an initial measure that the physician can use for monitoring the progression of HIV/AIDS. It is recommended that patients who have advanced HIV/AIDS disease be treated with antiretrovirals immediately after the first test in order to avoid potentially damaging delays.
• After the baseline viral count is measured, tests should be repeated every 3 to 6 months, along with T-cell/CD4 counts.
• Tests should be repeated 4 to 8 weeks after beginning or changing antiretroviral therapy.

Scientists have found a correlation between viral load and disease progression—the higher the viral load, the farther the infection has progressed, even if there are no symptoms.

Viral load helps the physician determine when to start antiretroviral treatment and when to change medications. A higher viral load is an indication that treatment should be started or medications changed.

Recent infection or immunization can affect viral load assay results. Patients should wait several weeks following infection or immunization to have their viral load measured.