Also known as: Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), NAT, HIV PCR, Quantitative plasma RNA test, HIV Quantification Formal name: Human Immunodeficiency Virus RNA quantitative Related tests:CD4 and CD8, HIV antibody, HIV Proviral DNA, p24 antigen test, HIV drug resistance (genotypic and phenotypic)
Why get tested? To monitor the status of HIV disease, in conjunction with other lab tests and physical disease progression, and to guide therapy
When to get tested? When first diagnosed with HIV, every 2 to 8 weeks at the start of therapy or therapy changes, and every 3 to 4 months during long-term therapy, or as your doctor recommends
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
This article was last reviewed on March 21, 2009.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
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