ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 RNA Quantitative bDNA : 0020466

Mnemonic: HIV BDNA

Methodology: Quantitative Branched Chain DNA
Performed: Tue, Fri
Reported: 3-8 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or plasma preparation tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate EDTA plasma from cells within 4 hours. Transfer 3 mL plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 1.5 mL)
PPT: Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours. Transport 3 mL plasma in original container. (Min: 1.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.

Unacceptable Conditions: Serum. Heparinized specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): PPT: On Cells: Ambient: 2 hours; After separation from cells: Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen at -20°C: 72 hours; Frozen at -70°C: 4 months
All others: On Cells: Ambient: 4 hours; After separation from cells: Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen at -20°C: 72 hours; Frozen at -70°C: 4 months
Reference Interval:
Not Detected
Interpretive Data: The quantitative range of this assay is 1.9-5.7 log copies/mL (75-500,000 copies/mL). 

An interpretation of "Not Detected" does not rule out the presence of  inhibitors in the patient specimen or HIV-1 virus RNA concentrations below the level of detection of the assay. Care should be taken in the interpretation of any single viral load determination.  The clinical significance of changes in HIV-1 RNA measurements has not been fully established; however, a change of 0.5 log copies/mL may be significant.  Low positive values may occasionally be seen in specimens from patients who are uninfected.
 
This assay should not be used for blood donor screening, associated re-entry protocols, or for screening Human Cell, Tissues and Cellular Tissue-Based Products (HCT/P).
Note: The test is intended for use in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers as an indicator of disease prognosis.  This test is also used as an aid in assessing viral response to antiretroviral treatment as measured by changes in HIV-1 RNA levels.
CPT Code(s): 87536
Cross References: HIV-1 RNA (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 RNA Quantitative bDNA)