Delays in repeat HIV viral load testing for those with elevated viral loads: a national perspective from South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In South Africa, HIV patients with an elevated viral load (VL) should receive repeat VL testing after adherence counselling. We set out to use a national HIV Cohort to describe time to repeat viral load testing across South Africa and identify predictors of time to repeat testing.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of prospectively collected laboratory data. HIV treatment guidelines have changed over time in South Africa, but call for repeat VL testing within six months if 400 to 1000 copies/mL and two to three months if >1000 copies/mL. We included patients with suppressed viral loads (indicating they are on ART) and a first elevated VL (>400 copies/mL) between April 2004 and December 2014. Follow-up began at first elevated VL and continued until repeat testin

SUBMITTER: Fox MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7343337 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature