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HelpTest Code HIVQRX HIV 1 RNA Quant PCR reflex to Genotypic Drug Resistance if Indicated
Additional Codes
Epic Code: LAB2529
Specimen Required
Supplies: Aliquot Tube, 5mL
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender-top (EDTA plasma)
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tubes and pour off plasma into TWO aliquot tubes.
2. Whole blood can be stored at 2-30 C but must be centrifuged within 24 hours of specimen collection.
3. Place in Microbiology HIVQ rack and sendout freezer
Additional Information:
1. Molecular Viral Load testing must have its own tube.
2. To avoid co-mingling and cross contamination: If specimen is to be shared with another department, the molecular testing must take an aliquot of the specimen first or perform their testing prior to routing to additional testing departments.
Useful For
Diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in individuals with acute or early HIV-1 infection
Diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants under 18 months of age born to mothers living with HIV-1
Quantifying plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (viral load) in individuals living with HIV-1:
-Before initiating anti-HIV-1 drug therapy (baseline viral load)
-Who may have developed HIV-1 drug resistance while on anti-HIV-1 therapy
-Who may be noncompliant with anti-HIV-1 drug therapy
Monitoring HIV-1 disease progression before or during antiretroviral drug therapy
Method Name
Real-Time Transcription-mediated amplification-TMA (RT-PCR)
Hologic Genprobe Aptima HIV Quant Dx Assay
Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
| Plasma EDTA |
Frozen(preferred) |
90 days |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.5 ml plasma