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HelpTest Code LAB12404 HIV-1 RNA, Ultra Quantitative
Department
SEND OUTS
Reference Lab Test Number
HIVUL
Refer To
Primary Collection Container
Lavender 6 mL (K3EDTA)
Alternate Collection Container
ACDA – Pale Yellow (Acid Citrate Dextrose)
Transport
Plasma frozen
Preferred Transport Temperature
Frozen
Processing
Centrifuge and separate from cells within 6 hours of collection. Send 3.0 mL in a screw-capped plastic vial. Dedicated specimens are required.
Stability
Ambient: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 3 days
Frozen (-20°C): 3 days
Frozen (-70°C): 6 weeks
Minimum Testing Volume
2.5 mL
Reference Range
HIV-1 RNA: Not detected
HIV-1 RNA Quantitative: <20 copies/mL
LOG HIV CP U/mL: <1.3
Methodology
Abbott RealTime HIV-1 system uses an in vitro reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction
(RT-PCR) assay for the detection and quantitation of the diverse group M subtypes A-H as well as
group O and N isolates.
The lower limit of quantitation is 20 copies/mL (1.30 log copies/mL) and the upper limit of
quantitation is 10,000,000 copies/mL (7.0 log copies/mL). The qualitative limit of detection is 20
copies/mL (1.30 log copies/mL). Specimens reported as DETECTED but <20 copies/mL contain
detectable levels of HIV-1 RNA even though the viral load is below the limit of quantitation.
Performed
Monday – Friday
Reported
4 Days
CPT Codes
87536
Unacceptable Conditions
Serum specimens; Shared specimens; Specimens subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles; Specimens that do not meet the handling/storage criteria listed above; Gel based plasma separation media (PPT).