Useful For:
This test is intended for the use, in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers of disease progression, for the clinical management of HIV-1 infected patients. The test can be used to assess patient prognosis by measuring the baseline HIV-1 RNA level or to monitor the effects of antiretroviral therapy by measuring changes in EDTA plasma HIV-1 RNA levels during the course of antiretroviral treatment.
Methodology: Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Specimen Requirements: 1 white-top (PPT-EDTA) tube (minimum: 1.1 mL of EDTA plasma). Centrifuge white–top soon after collecting and FREEZE immediately. Send specimen frozen.
NOTE:
- Do not thaw.
- Lavender-top (EDTA plasma) is also acceptable. If using this tube, separate plasma and freeze in a plastic vial.
Analytical Time: 2 days
Days Set Up: Monday through Saturday
CPT Information:
87536 – HIV-1, quantification