HIV, QUANTITATIVE by PCR

Message

Test Code

HIVAL

Alias/See Also

Viral load

CPT Codes
87536

Includes

HIV by PCR Interpretation
HIV (copies/mL)
HIV (log copies/mL)
HIV Test Comment

Preferred Specimen

2 mL Plasma collected in EDTA (lavender top) tube

Minimum Volume

Min. 0.900 mL Plasma

Note: minimum volume does not allow for repeat testing

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in EDTA gel separator (pearl top) EDTA

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of plasma and red cells. Send plasma gel seperator tube (Pearl tube) or aliquot plasma into standard transport tube. Refrigerate until testing.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 3 days for Plasma
2-8°C up to 2 days for whole blood
-20°C Frozen 60 days. Plasma only.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

The following conditions will result in a rejected specimen.

Serum
Insufficient quantity (QNS)
Heparinized plasma

Methodology
RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription - Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Setup Schedule

M, Tu, W, Th, F

Report Available

Report available within 1-4 days of receipt at the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

Not Detected

A qualitative interpretation of either DETECTED or NOT DETECTED is provided. When HIV is detected, a quantitative result of copies/mL and log (copies/mL) is also provided. The limit of quantitation for this assay is 20-10,000,000 copies/mL or 1.30-7.00 log

Clinical Significance

Intended for use in the clinical management of HIV-1 infected individuals in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers. May also be used to monitor disease prognosis by measuring the baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA level and to assess response to antiretroviaral therapy by measuring changes in plasma HIV-1 RNA levels.

This assay is not intended for use in screening blood, blood products, tissue or organ donors for HIV, nor as an aid in the diagnosis or to confirm HIV-1 infection.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NIMAM (Immunology, Alinity M)

Last Updated: April 30, 2026

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.