Back to Test Compendium

HIV 1 Viral Load, Plasma – RRPL

Discipline

Microbiology

Overview

Description

  • Human Immunodeficiency Viruses 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) are the causative agents of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV-1 is the predominant strain in Canada, with HIV-2 being very rare.
  • HIV-1 Viral Load testing is used to monitor disease progression and response to treatment in HIV-1 positive patients, or to diagnose HIV-1 in infants < 18 months old.

Ordering recommendations

  • HIV-1 Viral Load testing may be ordered on known HIV-1 Antibody positive patients.

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • Plasma

Specimen collection container

  • Plasma EDTA (lavender topped) tube

Collection procedure

  • Collect blood in vacutainer containing EDTA (lavender stopper). Centrifuge. Aliquot plasma equally between two 3 mL cryovials as soon as possible. If less than 2.5 mL plasma is collected, send in one 3 mL cryovial. Freeze specimens as soon as possible.

Required volume

  • 1 EDTA (Lavender Top) tube, 4 mL (1 mL minimum)

Transport and stability

  • Plasma should be separated from whole blood within 6 hours of collection, aliquotted, and frozen prior to shipping.

Testing Information

Relevant clinical history

Patient history

  • In infants < 18 months of age, the HIV Viral Load (NAAT) test may be used to detect HIV infection as antibody results will be undistinguishable from maternal antibodies passively transferred to the infant.
  • In patients ≥ 18 months of age, HIV viral load testing should only be ordered on patients who are confirmed positive via serology, or following needle stick exposure to blood or body fluid from an HIV positive source patient.
  • If patient is HIV-2 positive, please call the Microbiologist on-call to arrange appropriate testing.

Performance

Methodology

  • RRPL - Quantitative NAAT testing via Roche Cobas 6800 (Detected and quantified in copies/mL or Not Detected)

Days/times performed

Availability

  • Specimens are tested at RRPL

Maximum laboratory time

Result reporting

  • Turnaround time of 3 days receipt in testing laboratory

Specimen retention time

  • All specimens are retained for 7 days after testing is complete

Other information

Any additional comments

  • The HIV-1 viral load test is specific to HIV-1 and will NOT detect HIV-2.

Last Updated: December 6, 2024