HIV DNA PCR

This test is referred to another lab outside our network
This does not affect where samples are sent and where your results are issued.
Description: 
Samples sent to PHE Colindale VRD referral laboratory for an HIV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.
Clinical details: 
Following infection with HIV there is 'window period' during which HIV antibodies can not be detected. Current fourth generation assays, which detect both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen, reduce the time between infection and testing HIV antibody positive to one month. This is one to two weeks earlier than with third generation (antibody only detection) assays. Direct detection of HIV DNA can provide more rapid diagnosis of infection and may be indicated following needle stick injuries or in cases of indeterminant serology. Testing for HIV DNA is recommended for paediatric diagnosis when maternal antibodies may persist for up to 18 months.
Related condition or disease: 
HIV
Reference range: 

Not applicable

Synonyms or keywords: 
HIV, DNA, proviral DNA
Units: 
Qualitative test - Detected/Not Detected
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
4-9ml Purple Top EDTA blood (for whole blood).
Call in advance: 
Only for urgent samples
Turnaround time: 
14 working days
Special sample instructions: 

Samples in transit for more than 24 hours are unsuitable for testing.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
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


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

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Last updated: 29/11/2018