A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

HIV-1 RNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Test Code
HIV1P


CPT Codes
<p>87535</p>

Preferred Specimen

Send only one of the following:

 

Specimen Type: Plasma EDTA

Collection Container/Type

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: White top (PPT)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1.6 mL

Collection Instructions: 

  1. Separate plasma or serum from the cells by centrifugation within 24 hours after collection.
  2. Transfer the specimen to a transport tube.
  3. Separated plasma or serum can be sent in the PPT/SST ® but cannot be shipped frozen.

 

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection Container/Type

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1.6 mL

Collection Instructions: 

  1. Separate plasma or serum from the cells by centrifugation within 24 hours after collection.
  2. Transfer the specimen to a transport tube.
  3. Separated plasma or serum can be sent in the PPT/SST ® but cannot be shipped frozen.


Minimum Volume

0.8 mL



Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma collected in a PPT potassium EDTA (white-top) tube, or EDTA (lavender-top) tube


Instructions
Separate plasma or serum from the cells by centrifugation within 24 hours after collection. Transfer the specimen to a plastic screw-cap vial.
Separated plasma or serum can be sent in the PPT/SST but cannot be shipped frozen.


Transport Container
Plastic screw-cap vial


Transport Temperature
Frozen


Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 72 hours

Refrigerated: 5 days

Frozen: 42 days



Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Whole blood • Unspun PPT • Frozen Plasma received in plasma preparation tube (in situ) • Frozen serum received in serum separator tube (in situ)


Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction



Setup Schedule

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday



Report Available

1-5 days



Reference Range
Not detected


Clinical Significance
HIV-1 Qualitative is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification test for the qualitative detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA in human serum and plasma by PCR. The test is intended to be used as an aid in diagnosis of HIV-1 infection. Detection of HIV-1 nucleic acid is indicative of HIV-1 infection. The presence of HIV-1 nucleic acid in the plasma or serum of individuals without antibodies to HIV-1 is indicative of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. The HIV-1 Qualitative PCR may also be used as an additional test to confirm the presence of HIV-1 infection in an individual with specimens reactive for HIV-1 antibodies or antigens. The assay may also be used as an aid in the diagnosis of infection with HIV-1 in pediatric subjects and pregnant women. This assay is not intended to be used for monitoring patient status, or for screening donors of blood, plasma, or human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps) for HIV.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute 14225 Newbrook Drive Chantilly, VA 20153


Last Updated: February 17, 2023


The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.