HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, PCR with Reflex to Genotype
Test Summary
Measurement of HIV-1 plasma levels (viral load) provides a direct assessment of viremia and should be used in conjunction with CD4+ T-cell counts. HIV-1 RNA, quantitation is useful in patients to assess prognosis, monitor progression of HIV-1 infection, determine when to initiate therapy, and monitor the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy.
Aliases
- N/A
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
2 mL plasma collected in each of two EDTA (lavender-top) tubes.
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Samples submitted in primary tube will be rejected.
Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be stored at 2-25°C for up to 24 hours prior to centrifugation. Separate plasma from cells within 24 hours of collection by centrifugation and immediately transfer to a transport tube. Follow manufacturer's instructions for collection tube handling.
Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be stored at 2-25°C for up to 24 hours prior to centrifugation. Separate plasma from cells within 24 hours of collection by centrifugation and immediately transfer to a transport tube. Follow manufacturer's instructions for collection tube handling.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: Unacceptable
- Refrigerated: 6 days
- Frozen: 42 days
Limitations
An infection is often composed of a variety of strains of the virus. The test may identify only the predominant type of virus thus leaving the minority viruses to thrive once the predominant type is treated. Lack of resistance may not confer susceptibilities.
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma collected in each of two PPT (white-top) tubes
Unacceptable Specimens
Plasma received frozen in the plasma preparation tube; serum; whole blood greater than 24 hours old; frozen whole blood; samples collected in lithium or sodium heparin.
Order Code
HIV1QN
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB5701
Includes
If HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR viral load is ≥400 copies/mL, then HIV-1 Genotype will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87900, 87901).
CPT Code
- 87536
Billing Code
- 670050
CPT Statement
Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. Performance characteristics refer to the analytical performance of the test.
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
Department
Reference Testing
Reference Range
| HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR | Not detected | copies/mL | ||
| HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR | Not detected | Log copies/mL | ||
| HIV-1 Genotype | See Laboratory Report | |||
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 1 - 2 days
additional 4 - 11 days if reflex testing required
additional 4 - 11 days if reflex testing required
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
2 mL plasma collected in each of two EDTA (lavender-top) tubes.
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Samples submitted in primary tube will be rejected.
Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be stored at 2-25°C for up to 24 hours prior to centrifugation. Separate plasma from cells within 24 hours of collection by centrifugation and immediately transfer to a transport tube. Follow manufacturer's instructions for collection tube handling.
Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be stored at 2-25°C for up to 24 hours prior to centrifugation. Separate plasma from cells within 24 hours of collection by centrifugation and immediately transfer to a transport tube. Follow manufacturer's instructions for collection tube handling.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: Unacceptable
- Refrigerated: 6 days
- Frozen: 42 days
Limitations
An infection is often composed of a variety of strains of the virus. The test may identify only the predominant type of virus thus leaving the minority viruses to thrive once the predominant type is treated. Lack of resistance may not confer susceptibilities.
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma collected in each of two PPT (white-top) tubes
Unacceptable Specimens
Plasma received frozen in the plasma preparation tube; serum; whole blood greater than 24 hours old; frozen whole blood; samples collected in lithium or sodium heparin.
Result Information
Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
| HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR | Not detected | copies/mL | ||
| HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR | Not detected | Log copies/mL | ||
| HIV-1 Genotype | See Laboratory Report | |||
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 1 - 2 days
additional 4 - 11 days if reflex testing required
additional 4 - 11 days if reflex testing required