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HelpTEST ID HIVQN HIV-1 RNA Detection and Quantification, Plasma
Reporting Name
HIV-1 RNA Detect/Quant, PSpecimen Type
Plasma EDTAShipping Instructions
1. Ship specimen frozen on dry ice.
2. If shipment will be delayed for more than 24 hours, freeze plasma specimen at -20 to -80° C until shipment on dry ice.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Freeze aliquoted plasma for shipment.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.8 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Frozen (preferred) | 84 days |
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
Special Instructions
Testing Algorithm
The following algorithms are available:
-HIV Prenatal Testing Algorithm, Including Follow-up of Reactive Rapid Serologic Test Results
Method Name
Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Reference Values
Undetected
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysSpecimen Retention Time
60 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
87536
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Useful For
Quantifying plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (viral load) in individuals living with HIV-1:
-Before initiating antiretroviral therapy to obtain baseline viral load
-Who may have developed HIV-1 drug resistance while on antiretroviral therapy
-Who may be noncompliant with antiretroviral therapy
Monitoring HIV-1 disease progression before or during antiretroviral drug therapy