HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR
Test code
CPT code(s)*
Test resources
Details
Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Alternative name(s)
Viral Load, HIV,HIV Viral Load
Specimen requirements | |
|---|---|
| Patient preparation | None Specified |
| Preferred specimen(s) | 3 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) or PPT (white-top) tube |
| Minimum volume | 1 mL |
| Collection instructions | Do not freeze whole blood or any samples stored in primary tube. Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be stored at 2-25° C for up to 24 hours prior to centrifugation. Separate plasma from cells within 24 hours of collection by centrifugation. If shipping frozen, transfer plasma to a leak-proof transport tube, then freeze prior to shipment. Follow manufacturer's instructions for collection tube handling. |
| Transport container | Transport tube |
| Transport temperature | Frozen |
| Specimen stability | Room temperature: Unacceptable Refrigerated: 6 days Frozen: 84 days |
| Reject criteria | Received room temperature • Plasma received frozen in the plasma preparation tube (PPT) • Serum • Whole blood >24 hours old • Frozen whole blood |
Reference Range(s)
| HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR | Not detected | copies/mL |
| HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR | Not detected | Log copies/mL |
Reference ranges are provided as general guidance only. To interpret test results use the reference range in the laboratory report.
*The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidance and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.
This material contains content from LOINC® (http://loinc.org). The LOINC Table, LOINC Table Core are copyright © 1995-2019, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee and is available at no cost under the license at http://loinc.org/license.
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