In the case of HCV, a test called quantitative HCV RNA is used
to measure the number of hepatitis viruses in the blood based on
how much viral RNA (the virus' genetic material) is detected per
milliliter. There is also a viral load test for hepatitis B. Why
Is Viral Load Important?Doctors use your viral load to determine
how you're responding to treatment. Usually, you will find out
your viral load when you start treatment and then repeat the
test (usually at three months) as your treatment continues. With
at least two viral load results (sometimes along with the
results of other blood tests and biopsy), doctors can see how
the virus is responding to the drugs. A significantly reduced
viral load (a 100-fold decrease in amount of virus) often means
that treatment is working. Ideally, treatment should make the
virus undetectable. A viral load test won't tell you about the
severity of your liver disease. In other words, a high viral
load doesn't necessarily mean you're more sick than someone with
a lower viral l