Test Results For:
HIV-Viral Load-PCR
Test Overview
- Test Name
-
HIV-Viral Load-PCR
- Test Code
- HIVVL
Short Description
HIV-Viral Load-PCR
Test Name
HIV-Viral Load-PCR
Test Code
HIVVL
Category
Molecular biology
TAT
Main Lab:
60, 6
Hour(s)
Family Site:
3 Day(s), <12hrs
Specimen(s)
1 x Venous blood - 5 mL Tube - Lavender - EDTA Plasma
Specimen Type
EDTA Plasma
Specimen Format
Tube
Specimen Colour
Lavender
Specimen Volume
5 mL
Sampling Order
4
Origin
Venous blood
Collection Time after baseline
-
Transport Temperature
15-25°C
Accepted Other Specimens
Plasma ACD
TAT
Main Lab:
60, 6
Hour(s)
Family Site:
3 Day(s), <12hrs
Test Stability
Room Temp:
24 Hour(s)
2–8°C:
72 Hour(s)
Methodology
RNA reverse transcription and Real Time PCR
Specimen Type
EDTA Plasma
Other Type of Specimen Accepted
Plasma ACD
Delay before pre-treatment
24
Transport temperature
15-25°C
Test stability at room temperature
24 Hour(s)
Test stability at 2–8°C
72 Hour(s)
Haemolysis interference
No
Methodology
Calculation
Specimen Type
EDTA Plasma
Other Type of Specimen Accepted
Plasma ACD
Delay before pre-treatment
24
Transport temperature
15-25°C
Test stability at room temperature
24 Hour(s)
Test stability at 2–8°C
72 Hour(s)
Haemolysis interference
No
Clinical Interest
The HIV PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay is a vital tool in the clinical management of HIV infection. This assay detects and quantifies the genetic material (RNA or DNA) of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), providing valuable information for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of HIV-infected individuals.
PCR can detect HIV RNA before antibodies are present, enabling early diagnosis during the acute phase of infection. Early detection is critical for timely intervention and reducing transmission. CR is particularly useful during the window period when antibodies are not yet detectable by standard serological tests.
Measuring HIV viral load helps in understanding the severity of the infection and the rate of disease progression. Higher viral loads are often associated with faster progression to AIDS. Regular viral load testing is essential for assessing the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Successful ART should lead to a significant reduction or suppression of viral load to undetectable levels.
Clinical Information Required
-
Patient Collection Note
-
LOINC Code
469-2, 62469-2, 86548-5, 86548-5
Outwork
No