Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1), Quantitative, Real-time PCR (Nongraphical) With Reflex to PhenoSense GT®
Also known as: HIV-1 Plasma Viremia, HIV-1 RNA by Real-time (RT) PCR, Quantitative, Reflex to PhenoSense GT®, Viral Load
Use
Detect and quantitate HIV-1 in plasma with reflex to PhenoSenseGT® (at an additional charge) if viral load is >500 copies/mL.
Special Instructions
For effective viral load analysis, collect plasma in lavender-top (EDTA) or PPT™ tubes and ensure centrifugation occurs within six hours. Freeze plasma immediately after transfer to polypropylene screw-cap tubes. Ensure separate frozen samples are provided if multiple tests are requested, especially for the reflex PhenoSense GT® portion. Avoid using green-top heparin tubes to prevent false results.
Limitations
The assay quantitatively measures HIV-1 viral load within the dynamic range of 20 to 10,000,000 copies/mL. However, samples collected in inappropriate tubes or not stored correctly can lead to erroneous results. Specifically, specimens collected in green-top heparin tubes, or those that are hemolyzed or frozen in PPT™ may result in rejected samples. Additionally, reflex testing incurs further time and cost, and any delays in freezing can compromise the test's accuracy.
Methodology
PCR-based (RT-PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20447-9
- 20447-9
- 29541-0
- 51969-4
- 49665-3
Result Turnaround Time
17-25 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
6 mL
Minimum Volume
4 mL
Container
Screw-cap polypropylene transport tubes
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen in three lavender-top (EDTA) tubes or three PPT™ tubes, centrifuge within six hours, transfer plasma to screw-cap polypropylene tubes and freeze immediately. Do not use green-top tubes.
Storage Instructions
Freeze immediately after collection. Store frozen for long-term stability. Stable for one day at room temperature and five days refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis, green-top (heparin) tube, specimen in 'pop-top' or 'snap-cap' tube, insufficient quantity, frozen PPT™
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 day |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |