HIV Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Dosage Confirmation via Prescription Medication Monitoring (Serum)
This test measures levels of certain antiretroviral medications in your blood to ensure they are within the optimal range for your treatment. It helps confirm whether your prescribed dose is working effectively to control your HIV infection.
This test ensures your HIV treatment is properly managing your virus levels and preventing resistance.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45258-1
- Short code
- #% HIV ART Rx dose taken/pres MEMS cap
- Synonyms
- #% HIV ART Rx dose taken/pres MEMS cap
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mems-cap
- CPT
- 86701
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a critical treatment for HIV, but medication levels must be carefully monitored to avoid underdosing (which may lead to viral resistance) or overdosing (which can cause side effects). This test helps healthcare providers adjust your treatment plan as needed.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab. The lab analyzes a specific medication from your prescription—commonly part of a regimen like tenofovir, emtricitabine, or other HIV drugs—using a sensitive immunoassay method to measure its concentration in your serum.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may have some mild discomfort from the needle, but it usually goes away quickly. Avoid eating or drinking for 2 hours before the test if instructed. Stay hydrated and rest if you feel lightheaded.
What to Expect After the Test
Most people experience minimal side effects, but some may feel tired or bruised at the injection site. Apply gentle pressure to the area to help reduce swelling. Contact your provider if you have concerns or severe reactions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low medication levels may indicate poor adherence to your treatment or drug resistance, which could lead to HIV becoming harder to control. High levels may suggest side effects or unnecessary exposure. Regular monitoring helps tailor your regimen for the best balance of effectiveness and safety.
Short name
HIV ART Medication Level Check
Frequently asked questions
How often is this test typically done?
What if my test results are outside the expected range?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy