"Clinical Significance
HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR with Reflex to Genotype (RTI, PI, Integrase) - Monitor viral load in HIV-1 patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy and automatically reflex to drug resistance testing for PR, RT and Integrase drugs in patients failing to achieve or maintain virologic suppression.

Preferred Specimen(s)
7 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Alternative Specimen(s)
Plasma collected in: PPT Potassium EDTA (white-top) tube

Minimum Volume
3.7 mL

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: 30 days

Reject Criteria
Serum • Non-centrifuged PPT • Frozen PPT (in situ) • Heparinized plasma

Includes
If HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR viral load is >400 copies/mL, HIV-1 Genotype and HIV-1 Integrase Genotype will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87900, 87901, 87906).

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

Alternative Name(s)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus