HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative RNA PCR, with Reflex to HIV-1 Genotype

Last Modified: 12/28/2022 6:45:52 AM


  Medicare Medical Necessity Restrictions May Apply
Medical Necessity Documentation:  
Client Notes:  
Patient Preparation:  
Specimen Requirements: 2.0 mL Plasma from each of two Lavender Top Tubes - EDTA in a Plastic Vial
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and remove from cells within 24 hours of collection

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 leakproof transport tube, then freeze prior to shipment. 

Minimum Volume: 2.0 mL (1.0 ml) Plasma from each collection tube
Transport & Storage: Temperature/Stability:

Unacceptable Ambient
6 hours Refrigerated
42 days Frozen

Transport Frozen
If shipping frozen, transfer plasma to a leakproof transport tube, then freeze prior to shipment. 
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.

Rejection Criteria: Plasma received frozen in the plasma preparation tube (PPT) • Serum • Whole blood greater than 24 hours old • Frozen whole blood • Samples collected in sodium heparin (green-top), or lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Reference Range:
HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR Not detected copies/mL
HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR Not detected Log copies/mL
   HIV-1 Genotype See Laboratory Report

Critical Ranges:  
Test Comments: If HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR viral load is ≥400 copies/mL, then HIV-1 Genotype will be performed at an additional charge
Methodology: Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Clinical Significance: HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, PCR with Reflex to Genotype - Measurement of HIV-1 plasma levels (viral load) provides a direct assessment of viremia and should be used in conjunction with CD4+ T-cell counts. HIV-1 RNA, quantitation is useful in patients to assess prognosis, monitor progression of HIV-1 infection, determine when to initiate therapy, and monitor the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy.
Custom Panel: No

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

Turn Around Time: 1-2 days (Additional 4-11 days if reflex testing r
Days Performed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Sites Performed: Quest - Chantilly
PHL Test Code: MSOT
EPIC Test Code:
Send Out Test Code: 88443
Alternate Test Names: HIV-1 Viral Load with Reflex
Included Tests:  
CPT Coding: 87536 (Reflex 87901, 87900)

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