Pathology Handbook

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HIV Viral Load

Laboratory:

Microbiology

Test Code:

HIVVILO

Specimen Types:

Plasma
Cerebrospinal Fluid

Container Types:

EDTA 10 mL
CSF Tube 3

Adults Volume or Mass:

10 mL

Collection & Request Instructions:

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

Requests for urgent testing must be approved by the Microbiology Unit Head.

A minimum of 1 mL of CSF is required for this test.

Note: NATA/RCPA accreditation does not cover CSF samples, as test is not validated on this sample type. Results should be interpreted with caution.

Processing Instructions:

Unopened Tube

Do NOT refrigerate specimen.

Specimen MUST be processed within 24 hours of collection.

Refer to CD_MI_0092_How to separate HIV viral load specimens and HIV genotyping specimens if specimens will not be processed by Molecular Biology within 24 hours of collection.

If specimen has been refrigerated, remove as soon as possible and note that specimen was refrigerated on referral form. Treat specimen in usual manner.

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

Room Temperature

Assay Frequency:

Twice weekly