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Test Code
HIV1L
Test Name
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) by Quantitative PCR, Plasma
CPT Codes
87536
Included Tests
  • HIV-1 Viral Load, copies/mL
  • HIV-1 Viral Load, log copies/mL
Expected Turnaround Time
2 - 4 days
Clinical Utility

This test quantitates HIV-1 virus RNA down to 20 copies/mL to monitor viral load in established HIV-1 infected individuals. This assay provides an assessment of viral load prior to initiation of therapy and is helpful in early detection of potential therapeutic failure and/or disease progression. This test is not intended to be used as a screening test for the presence of HIV.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Plasma

Collection Container:  Lavender Top (EDTA)

Desired Specimen Volume:  2 mL

Minimum Acceptable Volume:  1 mL
Processing and Submission Instructions
  1. Within 24 hours of collection, centrifuge for 10 min <1300 rcf.
  2. Aliquot plasma into a sterile plastic tube.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

Whole Blood, 24 Hours

Refrigerated

Whole Blood, 24 Hours; Plasma, 6 Days

Frozen

Plasma, 6 Months at -70C; Plasma, 12 Weeks at -20C

Freeze/Thaw Cycles

 4 Freeze / Thaw
Causes for Rejection
  • Any specimen with leakage on the outside of the container will be rejected. Ensure the lid is tightly closed.
  • Any specimen shared with another laboratory test will be rejected.
  • Any specimen collected in an outdated collection tube will be rejected.
Methodology
Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction
Reference Intervals

HIV-1 Virus Not Detected
Limitations

Technical Range of Assay

20 - 1.0 x 10,000,000 copies/mL

1.30 - 7.00 log IU/mL
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • HIV-1 Quantitative
  • HIV-1 RNA Quantitative by PCR
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Viral Load
  • HIV-1 Viral Load
Testing Schedule
Routine, 3 times per week
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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