Ordering Guidance

This procedure should be used for patients with documented HIV-1 infection and viral loads ≥500 copies/mL.

Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Lavender-top (EDTA) or plasma preparation tube (PPT)

Specimen Volumes: 3 mL

Collection Instructions: Draw blood into two 5-mL PPT (pearl top) or EDTA (lavender top) tubes. Centrifuge specimen within 6 hours of collection. Transfer plasma to one or more polypropylene screw-capped tube(s) and freeze. Freeze immediately. Send 3 mL plasma in a screw-cap vial frozen.

To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.

RECOMMENDED:

1. Patient's most recent viral load.

2. Viral load collection date.

NOTE:

1. Intended for use only for patients with viral loads greater than or equal to 500 copies/mL. For best results, viral loads should be confirmed within two weeks prior to submission for testing at Monogram.

2. Patient samples submitted <30 days apart are considered duplicate and will be canceled.