HIV‑1 Resistance and Coreceptor Tropism, Proviral DNA

Also known as: Archived DNA, Cell-associated Viral DNA, Undetected viral load, Resistance Analysis, Archived resistance

Clinical Use

Use

This test assists clinicians in evaluating virologically suppressed patients for modification of antiretroviral therapy when historical plasma RNA resistance and tropism data are insufficient. It detects archived drug resistance mutations in the HIV‑1 protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase genes from proviral DNA. It also determines HIV‑1 coreceptor tropism via a proviral DNA tropism assay, which may inform eligibility for CCR5 antagonist therapy such as maraviroc, especially when plasma viral load is low or undetectable. ([questdiagnostics.com](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/clinical-education-center/faq/faq198?utm_source=openai))

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The assay amplifies HIV‑1 subtypes B and many major non‑B subtypes (e.g., A, C, BF, D, AE, AG, H), but uncommon subtypes or strains may not amplify. Clinical data remain limited and proviral DNA genotyping may miss previously detected plasma RNA mutations; conversely, it may detect archived mutations of uncertain clinical significance. Thus, this archive should not be considered comprehensive and should not replace historical plasma RNA genotypes where available. ([questdiagnostics.com](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/clinical-education-center/faq/faq198?utm_source=openai))

Test Details