Pathology Handbook

HIV RNA Genotyping

Therapy status must be provided in clinical notes. List antiviral agents if on therapy.

Also request HIV Integrase testing if patient is on an Integrase inhibitor.

A minimum of 1 mL CSF required for this test.

This test can only be performed on specimens with a HIV viral load of 500 copies/mL or greater.

Do NOT refrigerate specimen.

Process specimen under RNase free conditions using a Class II cabinet and sterile equipment if unable to deliver to VIDRL within 24 hours of collection.

Spin tube at 2900rpm for 20 minutes

Label sterile 2 mL aliquot tubes with aliquot labels

Aliquot plasma into sterile prelabelled tubes using a sterile disposable pipette and secure lids

Store samples in the "Weekend Viral Load" box in the     -80C freezer

Record the date and time of processing and freezing on the request form along with your initials.

Send frozen specimens to VIDRL on dry ice.

Must reach the testing laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

Specimens unable to reach VIDRL within 24 hours are frozen by Serology using the instructions above and transported on dry ice when VIDRL reopens.