Specimen:

Plasma

Collection Medium:

Alternate
Collection Media:

Lavender top tube (EDTA)

Minimum:

3 mL plasma or 6 mL whole blood.  Testing requires a dedicated 
collection tube.

Testing
Schedule:

Availability: once per week

Comments:

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

Methodology:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Sample
Processing:

Within 6 hours of collection, centrifuge at 800-1600 x g for 10 
minutes.
Transfer plasma aseptically into a RNase, DNase free container.
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of 
collection.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as 
possible.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate.
See "Instructions:" below for special storage requirements.

Transport
Instructions:

Place coolant packs into styrofoam container.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
DO NOT FREEZE, protect specimen by wrapping in bubble-wrap or toweling.
Recommend express mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Instructions:

Specimen submitted for this procedure cannot be used for other testing.  
Must be received with 24 hours of collection.

If long term storage is needed:
Centrifuge for 20 minutes at 800-1600 x g.
Aseptically enter the tube and aliquot into sterile RNase free tubes.
Store at 2-8 degrees C for 72 hours or -20 to -80 degrees C long term.

CPT Code:

87536