Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Viral Load

Test name:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Viral Load

Order name:
HIV PCR ULTRA

Specimen requirements:
Plasma separated from EDTA peripheral blood within 24 hours from collection

Minimum volume:
1 mL minimum plasma, 2 mL preferred

Storage and stability information:
Peripheral blood (Refrigerated, 24 hours), Plasma (Refrigerated, 6 days, or frozen at -20°C less than 6 days)

Test performed:
Three times per week

Methodology:
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reference range:
No HIV target detected

Linear range:
20 copies/mL (1.3 log) – 10,000,000 copies/mL (7.0 log).

Limit of detection:
20 copies/mL (1.3 log)

Clinical significance:
The quantitative measurement of HIV-1 RNA (viral load) can be used to assess patients’ prognosis at baseline and to monitor the effects of antiretroviral therapy during the course of antiretroviral treatment. This test is not intended for use as a screening test for the presence of HIV-1 in blood or as a diagnostic test to confirm the presence of HIV-1 infection.

CPT codes:
87536