Research and analysis

Viral load variations in people living with HIV on ART

This rapid systematic review identified and summarised the viral load of people living with HIV on effective anti-retroviral treatment (ART)

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 19 March 2026

Documents

Viral load of people living with HIV on effective anti-retroviral treatment (ART): a rapid systematic review

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Details

This rapid systematic review identified and summarised evidence of variations in viral load in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who were on stable ART, and factors that may be related to those variations (search up to 8 September 2025). The review included evidence of variation in viral load detected by different frequencies of testing and viral load levels over time.

Six studies were included, 2 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 cohort studies.

This review was commissioned to help inform an update of the UHKSA and UKAP Integrated guidance on health clearance of healthcare workers and the management of healthcare workers living with bloodborne viruses. It represents the available evidence for this review question, but does not include the updated guidance recommendations. The updated guidance has not yet been published. This page will be updated when it is available.

Published 19 March 2026