HIV-1 RNA Detection and Quantification, Plasma
Use
The test quantifies plasma HIV-1 RNA levels, which is an important measure for assessing the stage of HIV-1 infection and efficacy of antiretroviral therapy. Baseline viral load measurement is crucial before starting therapy, while ongoing monitoring is necessary for detecting drug resistance, assessing adherence, and tracking disease progression. Viral load is a surrogate marker used in routine clinical care for managing individuals living with HIV-1.
Special Instructions
Ship the specimen frozen on dry ice. If the shipping is delayed by more than 24 hours, freeze the plasma specimen at -20 to -80 degrees Celsius. Use the Microbiology Test Request form (T244) if not ordering electronically.
Limitations
This test is not licensed by the FDA for donor screening. Single test results should not guide therapy decisions without clinical correlation. Variability in assay results may affect interpretation; physiological variation and interfering substances may lead to falsely low results. Quantification may be unreliable for certain viral groups, such as HIV-1 group N and HIV-2 infections.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (RT-PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 70241-5
- 70241-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.8 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge blood collection tube and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial. Freeze the aliquoted plasma for shipment.
Storage Instructions
Ship specimen frozen on dry ice. If shipment is delayed over 24 hours, freeze plasma at -20 to -80°C until shipment.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
| Frozen | 84 days |