Intended Use
The HIV-1 assay is an in vitro reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the quantitation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1).
Specimen Required
2 Tubes / EDTA Blood / 2 mL per tube or 2 ml Plasma. (Min: 1 mL)
Patient Preparation
- Sample Collection: Whole blood in lavender (EDTA). Collection of blood before dialysis is preferred.
- Specimen Preparation: Blood samples must be collected in EDTA tube (lavender top). Separate from cells within 24 hours. Transfer 2 mL plasma to standard transport tube
- Storage/Transport Temperature: Blood plasma samples collected in EDTA tubes may be transported and stored at 2–8 °C. DO NOT FREEZE.
- Unacceptable Conditions
- Serum, CSF
- Collected in incorrect tubes (e.g., with additives that inhibit PCR).
- Haemolyzed, icteric, lipemic, or Heparinized specimens.
- Insufficient volume, leaked, or improperly stored.
- Remarks: Proper aseptic technique and sample handling are critical to avoid contamination or degradation.
- Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 6 days; Frozen: 3 months.
Methodology
The HIV-1 assay is done using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), followed by RNA extraction, to amplify a highly conserved segment of the HIV-1 genome and its detection.
Sample Received to Report Turnaround Time (TAT)
Twice in a Week (Scheduled Test)
Reference Interval
Any detectable HIV-1 nucleic acid is considered abnormal and supports HIV-1 infection diagnosis or monitoring.
Interpretive Data
Refer to the Report.
Resources
- Additional Technical Information
Sample Reports
- Enhanced Report
- See report