HIV Viral Load by PCR, Plasma

HIV Viral Load by PCR

Order Code:	HIVQNTPCR
Epic Lab Code:	LAB2468
Order Form:	A-1a Molecular Pathology/Diagnostics or Epic Req

Microbiology
BT 6004
356-2591
Bacteriology/Virology Section

Specimen:

Plasma

Collection Medium:

	or		and
Pink top tube	or	Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)	and	Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)

Minimum:

6 mL whole blood or 3 mL plasma. Testing requires a dedicated collection tube. If also testing for HCV RNA or Genotype, collect a second Pink top tube (6 mL whole blood or 3 mL plasma).

Delivery Instructions:

Deliver to laboratory immediately after collection.

Specimen Instructions:

Record draw time; all collection tubes need to be processed within six hours of collection. If specimens cannot reach the Microbiology Laboratory at UIHC with the six hours, process as follows: Pink or Lavender top tubes: Centrifuge for 20 minutes at 800-1600 x g. Aseptically enter the tube and aliquot into sterile RNase free tubes. Transport to the laboratory on ice with 24 hours.

Testing Schedule:

Availability: once per week

Reference Range:

Negative Analytical range in log10 values: 1.68 - 7.00 log (48-10,000,000 CPM non-log transformed values) Positive results less than 48 CPM will be reported as <1.68 log10 and negative results will be reported as "Not detected".

Comments:

Testing only approved for viral load testing to monitor therapy. Not for diagnostic testing.

Methodology:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

CPT Code:

87536

See Additional Information:
Conversion of Log Value to Integer Value Calculator
Specimens Requiring Immediate Delivery