ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0051660: Human Immunodeficiency Virus1 RNA Quantitative Real-Time PCR with Reflex to Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Genotyping |
| Test Mnemonic: HIVQ GR | |
|
Methodology: Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performed: Mon, Wed, Fri Reported: 2-13 days |
| Specimen Required: | |
|
Collect: One 5 mL lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or PPT.
Transport: 3 mL plasma, frozen. (Min: 2.5 mL) Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Pediatric Collection/Transport: Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines. Remarks: CRITICAL FROZEN. Prior to freezing, separate plasma from cells within two hours of collection. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered. Unacceptable Conditions: Serum. Polystyrene tubes. Heparinized or nonfrozen specimens. Specimens exposed to repeated freeze/thaw cycles or submitted in a PPT tube (aliquot plasma prior to freezing). Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 12 hours; Frozen: 4 months |
|
| Reference Interval: |
| Interpretive Data: | |
|
This 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 plasma HIV-1 RNA levels. The analytic measurement range of this assay is 1.7-7.0 log copies (48 to 10,000,000 copies/mL). The clinical significance of changes in HIV-1 RNA measurements has not been fully established; however, a threefold (0.5 log) change in copies/mL may be significant. False positive results may occur. Care should be taken when interpreting results especially for seronegative patients. A result of less than 48 HIV copies/mL does not rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors in the patient specimen or HIV-1 virus concentrations below the level of detection by the assay. 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: | |
| Genotyping will be performed when viral load is greater than or equal to 1000 copies/mL (3.0 log copies/mL). |
| CPT Code(s): | |
| 87536; if greater than or equal to 1000 copies/mL (3.0 log copies/mL), add 87901 |