PrEP Use Only: HIV Antigen/Antibody and HIV RNA, Qualitative
Also known as: HIV PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis screening for HIV
Use
PrEP use only: This profile includes HIV p24 antigen/antibody with reflex to antibody differentiation and HIV-1/2 qualitative RNA to support baseline assessment and monitoring of patients on PrEP for HIV infection.
Special Instructions
PrEP specific testing; requires dedicated gel-barrier tube and separate serum pour-off tube. Monitoring should consider patients' biotin supplementation, as high doses may interfere with the assays. Patients should cease biotin intake at least 72 hours before specimen collection.
Limitations
Reactive results for the HIV p24 antigen/antibody require additional supplemental testing for confirmation. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of HIV-1 or HIV-2 infection, particularly if the presence of the marker is below detectable levels or absent at the specimen collection time. The test's limitations include the potential for non-detection during certain disease stages or due to specimen handling discrepancies.
Methodology
Immunoassay (EIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 75622-1
- 56888-1
- 25835-0
- 69353-1
- 55752-0
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2.5 mL
Minimum Volume
1.5 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Collect using the usual blood collection technique. Do not freeze serum gel tubes; send to the lab refrigerated. Send frozen or refrigerated serum for RNA test in serum pour-off tube.
Patient Preparation
Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to collection.
Storage Instructions
HIV Ag/Ab: Gel-barrier tubes refrigerated up to 7 days. HIV RNA: Frozen up to 6 weeks or refrigerated up to 7 days.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; lipemia; incorrect handling; labeling errors; use of expired or inappropriate transport devices.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 6 weeks |