"Clinical Significance
HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, PCR with Reflex to Genotype - 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.

Preferred Specimen(s)
2 mL plasma collected in each of two EDTA (lavender-top) tubes

Alternative Specimen(s)
Plasma collected in each of two PPT (white-top) tubes

Minimum Volume
1 mL (x2)

Collection Instructions
Do not freeze whole blood or any samples stored in primary tube. 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. Follow manufacturer's instructions for collection tube handling.

Transport Container
Transport tube

Transport Temperature
Frozen

Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: 42 days

Reject Criteria
Plasma received frozen in the plasma preparation tube (PPT) • Serum • Whole blood greater than 24 hours old • Frozen whole blood • Samples collected in sodium heparin (green-top), or lithium heparin (green-top) tube

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).

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Reference Range(s)
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     

Alternative Name(s)
HIV Quant,HIV-1 RNA,HIV Genotyping