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HIV Quantitative PCR (Viral Load)

Microbiology


Usage

For determination of active ongoing infection, monitoring of longer term disease progression and response to antiviral therapies.

Specimen

Blood sample (plasma)

Specimen container

Pink top EDTA (6ml)

Special Instructions

Samples from patients known to have blood transmissible viral infections should be clearly labelled “High Risk” or “Danger of Infection”.

Availability

Local test

Turnaround Time

7 days

Reporting

Viral loads will be reported in copies/ml and where appropriate a log will be given.

Lower limit of detection 20 copies/ml

Lower limit of quantification 20 copies/ml

Useful Links

For Patients:

HIV Viral Load – Lab Tests Online

For Healthcare Professionals:

HIV Testing Guidelines – BHIVA

Specimen Labelling Procedure
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9018

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