Ordering Guidance

This test is intended for quantification of HIV-1 RNA level in plasma specimens of individuals with known HIV-1 infection and for identification of drug resistance-associated HIV-1 genotypic mutations prior to or while receiving combination antiretroviral therapy.

Prior to requesting this test, the patient must have a known HIV-1 infection. The following tests are available to screen and confirm the HIV-1 infection status:

-HVCOP / HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antigen and Antibody Routine Screen, Plasma

-HIVDX / HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antigen and Antibody Diagnostic Evaluation, Plasma

If only HIV-1 genotypic mutation testing is needed, order HIVDR / HIV-1 Genotypic Drug Resistance to Reverse Transcriptase, Protease, and Integrase Inhibitors, Plasma.

Shipping Instructions

1. Ship specimen frozen on dry ice.

2. If shipment will be delayed for greater 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: 3.6 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Centrifuge blood collection tube and aliquot plasma into plastic vial per collection tube manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).

2. Freeze aliquoted plasma for shipment.