File photo: HTNew Delhi: The government on Monday launched a scheme to provide free of cost viral load testing, at least once a year, for 1.2 million people who are living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and are on treatment. The viral load is used to monitor the effectiveness of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) over time. “The routine viral load testing will optimize the utilization of first line regimens, thus preventing drug resistance and ensuring the longevity of people living with HIV. Nadda also released the National Guidelines for HIV-1 Viral Load Laboratory Testing, National Operational Guidelines for Viral Load Testing, Standard Operating Procedure for HIV-1 Quant Assay with Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) (to diagnose tuberculosis and rifampicin (TB drug) resistance) and Guidelines on Quality Monitoring System for Outsourced Viral Load Tests. “With launch of Test and Treat, there is increase in number of PLHIV needing treatment and thus the Viral Load testing.

Source: Mint February 26, 2018 20:03 UTC