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HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, by Real time PCR
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Available Stat? | No |
| Test code | HIVRT |
| Test group | HIV |
| Performed by | Immunology |
| Method | RT-PCR |
| Container type | Lavender top x2 |
| Amount to Collect | 5 mL blood |
| Sample type | EDTA Plasma |
| Preferred volume | 3 mL plasma |
| Min. Volume | 1.1 mL plasma (this volume is insufficient for repeat testing) |
| UCSF Rejection Criteria | Heparinized samples |
| Processing notes | Separate plasma within 6 hours of collection. Freeze separated plasma at -70C in plastic tube. |
| Units | copies/mL or log copies/mL |
| Normal range | < 40 copies/mL < 1.60 log copies/mL |
| Stability | Room temperature 6 hours, refrigerated 1 day, frozen at -20C 35 days |
| Turn around times | Performed 2x per week. Turnaround time: 3-7 days. |
| Additional information | This test is FDA approved for monitoring patients with a known diagnosis of HIV. This test is generally not used to establish a diagnosis of HIV. However, in the setting of acute HIV, if the antibody test is negative or equivocal, a high viral load is often present. If ordered for diagnostic purposes the provider should sign in the attestation area of the ID Serology and Molecular Testing requisition to document that patient consent was obtained. High off-scale results are routinely reported as > 1,000,000 copies/mL or > 6.0 log copies/mL. Low level results where HIV RNA is detected by the assay but not quantifiable are reported as ÔDetected' with a result <40 copies/mL or <1.60 log copies/mL. Ô<40 copies/mL, Not Detected' or <1.60 log copies/mL, Not Detected' is reported when no HIV RNA can be detected by the assay. This result should not imply the patient is not infected with HIV. Viral loads less than 40 copies/mL will not be reliably detected by this assay. Correlation with clinical findings and serologic results are recommended. Positive results are automatically forwarded to California public health per regulations. However, this does not absolve the ordering provider from any additional reporting if such is required. |
| CPT coding | 87536 |
| Medical Necessity? | Yes. Click here for more information |
| Last Updated | 4/16/2012 3:58:46 PM |
| Entry Number | 512 |
If you have additional questions regarding this test, please call: 415-353-1667