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Test Code HIVPR HIV Viral Load

Specimen Collection Requirements

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) RNA by PCR

Alternate Test Name:

HIV Viral Load

Dept:

Molecular

SPECIMEN COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS

Collection Container:

EDTA, or BD Plasma Prep Tube for molecular diagnostics

 

Specimen:

 EDTA plasma

Collection Notes:

 May be stored and/or transported for up to 24 hours at 2°C to 25°C prior to plasma preparation

Transport Temperature:

 Whole blood in tubes can be transported for up to 24 hours at 2°C to 25°C prior to plasma preparation.

Specimen Volume:

Preferred Volume: 3 mL; Minimum Volume:minimum requirement of 650 uL

Also Acceptable:

2 - 3 mL Lavender (EDTA) tubes

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Performed:

Twice per week - Tuesday and Friday

Reported:

Next Day

Methodology:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

CPT:

87536

LOINC:

20447-9

Stability:

Sample stability is affected by elevated temperatures

Stable 24 hours before separation of plasma

After sepration of plasma: 

Stable for up to 6 days at 2°- 8°C.
Stable for up to 12 weeks at ≤ -18°C.
Stable for up to 6 months at ≤ -60°C.
Stable for up to 4 freeze/thaw cycles when frozen at     ≤ -18°C.
 

Not Detected

Notes:

The HIV Viral Load assay is reported in copies/ml of HIV RNA per mL of plasma, as well as in log units. The analytical range of the assay is 20 to 10,000,000 copies/mL. *This test is batched once per week, and is not run STAT. On occasion, it may be necessary to alter the testing day due to instrument issues, etc.*