HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, PCR with Reflex to Genotype

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Test Code

HIV1QN

Alias/See Also

34471

CPT Codes
87536

Includes

If HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR viral load is ≥400 copies/mL, then HIV-1 Genotype will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87900, 87901).

Preferred Specimen

2 mL plasma collected in each of two EDTA (lavender-top) tubes.

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in each of two PPT (white-top) tubes

Instructions

Samples submitted in primary tube will be rejected.

Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be stored at 2-25°C for up to 24 hours prior to centrifugation. Separate plasma from cells within 24 hours of collection by centrifugation and immediately transfer to a transport tube. Follow manufacturer's instructions for collection tube handling.

Transport Container

Transport tube

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: 42 days

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

Plasma received frozen in the plasma preparation tube; serum; whole blood greater than 24 hours old; frozen whole blood; samples collected in lithium or sodium heparin.

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Setup Schedule

Monday - Saturday

Report Available

1 - 2 days
additional 4 - 11 days if reflex testing required

Limitations

An infection is often composed of a variety of strains of the virus. The test may identify only the predominant type of virus thus leaving the minority viruses to thrive once the predominant type is treated. Lack of resistance may not confer susceptibilities.

Reference Range

HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR	Not detected	copies/mL
HIV-1 RNA, QN, PCR	Not detected	Log copies/mL
HIV-1 Genotype	See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

Measurement of HIV-1 plasma levels (viral load) provides a direct assessment of viremia and should be used in conjunction with CD4+ T-cell counts. HIV-1 RNA, quantitation is useful in patients to assess prognosis, monitor progression of HIV-1 infection, determine when to initiate therapy, and monitor the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy.

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

Last Updated: March 22, 2022

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.