ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1, PCR, Qualitative : 0093061
[ image for: Time Sensitive]
Time Sensitive
  


Mnemonic: HIV DNA

Methodology: Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performed: Mon, Wed, Fri
Reported: 2-7 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Lavender (EDTA) or pink (K2EDTA).

Specimen Preparation: Do not freeze specimen. Transport 1 mL whole blood. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated. Specimen must be received at ARUP within 84 hours.

Unacceptable Conditions: Heparinized specimens. Frozen specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 12 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
Not detected
Interpretive Data: This test detects human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA and RNA. The assay methodology is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 Qual Test. This test is optimized to yield equivalent amplification of Group M subtypes of HIV-1.

A result of "Not Detected" does not rule out HIV-1 nucleic acid concentrations below the limit of detection of the assay or the presence of PCR inhibitors in the patient specimen. Improper specimen handling can cause false negatives. PCR may not detect infection in the first months of life. The diagnosis of HIV-1 infection should be made based on clinical presentation and results from additional diagnostic tests. Diagnosis should not be made based solely on a single HIV-1 test. False positives can be caused by PCR contamination.

This assay should not be used for blood donor screening, associated re-entry protocols, or for screening Human Cell, Tissues and Cellular Tissue-Based Products (HCT/P).

See Compliance Statement D: www.aruplab.com/CS
CPT Code(s): 87535
Cross References: AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 DNA PCR, Qualitative), HIV-1 DNA (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 DNA PCR, Qualitative)