HIV-1 Viral Load
Description:
Quantitative TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of HIV-1 RNA in EDTA whole blood (for plasma) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Please Note: If sending a CSF, a concurrent HIV viral load MUST also be requested on blood. This assay does not quantify HIV-2 viral load, which is a sendaway referral test to University College London Hospital (UCLH). This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri.
Clinical details:
The natural history and pathogenesis of HIV infection is closely linked to replication of the virus. Routine quantification of HIV-1 viral load is standard of care and used to monitor disease progression and responses to anti-retroviral drugs.
Reference range:
20 to 10,000,000 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml
Synonyms or keywords:
HIV, AIDS, viral load
Units:
RNA copies/ml
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
4 - 9ml Purple Top EDTA whole blood (for plasma), or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected in a sterile universal container with no additives.
Call in advance:
Only for urgent samples.
Turnaround time:
6 working days (1 - 2 days for urgent samples)
Special sample instructions:
For HIV-2 Viral Load samples are sent to the referral laboratory at University College London Hospital (UCLH).
Storage and transport:
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Samples should be sent to CSR promptly as the sensitivity of assays that detect RNA/DNA depend on sample quality/integrity. Please store samples in a refrigerator if there is a delay in sending samples to CSR.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730
Laboratory:
Last updated: 06/10/2023
