Longitudinal viral load monitoring using home-collected dried blood spot specimens of MSM living with HIV: Results from a feasibility pilot study
Abstract
Novel viral load monitoring strategies are needed to help individuals maintain an undetectable viral load (UVL). In 2018, U.S. MSM living with HIV with a past detectable VL received a dried blood spot (DBS) kit at baseline and 3-month follow-up and returned specimens to a research laboratory. Of 56 consenting participants, 91% returned specimens at baseline and 77% at 3-month follow-up; 74% who returned two specimens had UVL at both time points. At-home DBS collection and longitudinal VL monitoring is feasible among U.S. MSM with fluctuating viral load. This complementary approach to clinical care could improve viral suppression maintenance.
Full citation:
Teran RA, Sobieszczyk ME, Chiasson MA, Uhlemann AC, Weidler J, Shah JG, Chang JY, Otto C, Hirshfield S (2021). Longitudinal viral load monitoring using home-collected dried blood spot specimens of MSM living with HIV: Results from a feasibility pilot study
AIDS and Behavior, 25 (3), 661-666. doi: 10.1007/s10461-020-03030-w. PMCID: PMC7480630.