Changes to HIV Viral Load (PCR) Testing, Tuesday, April 30, 2024

On Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, the method for HIV viral load (HIV QUANTITATIVE PCR; Epic # LAB2468) testing in the clinical microbiology laboratory will change. This has several impacts:

1. The test is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for patients of all ages, so the standalone HIV DNA test for pediatric patients under 2 years of age has been terminated.
2. There is accordingly no longer an HIV proviral DNA test in Epic. This is very rarely ordered for identification of HIV-1 elite controllers. If this diagnosis is of interest, please contact the laboratory for a proviral DNA test that can be ordered as “Miscellaneous Test”.
3. The plasma volume required has decreased to a minimum of 0.5 ml, suitable for pediatric patients and shorter samples. This should minimize requests for recollection.
4. Test sensitivity and reporting conventions are essentially identical.
5. Testing schedule (Tuesdays and Thursdays) will not change.

Questions specifically related to this issue can be directed to Bradley Ford, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Clinical Microbiology; (ext. 6-2990, bradley-ford@uiowa.edu; *8290).