HIV 1 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR

Test Code

16185

CPT Codes
87535

Preferred Specimen

1.6 mL serum

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

Set up: Tues, Thurs, Sat; 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.

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.