IMPORTANT! Pre-approval needed from state or local health department. Local or State Health Department. Send approval to
NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.
NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see
NUlirt Guide).
Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing
will not be performed without all required information.
Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.
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| Test: |
HIV RNA Quantitation, Ultrasensitive |
| Synonym: |
HIV Viral Load Ultrasensitive |
| Method: |
Quantitative Nucleic Acid Amplification |
| Availability: |
Test performed at least once/week; results within 1 week |
| Specimen: |
Blood |
| Collection Device: |
7.0 mL EDTA (Lavender) tube |
| Volume: |
3.0 mL plasma minimum |
| Storage/Transport: |
Frozen; centrifuge and aliquot plasma to a clean tube within 6 hours of collection, labeling with patient name, date of birth and "EDTA Plasma." |
| Unacceptable: |
|
| Specimen Stability: |
Specimen stable frozen |
| Reference Interval: |
HIV-1 RNA not detected, < 50 copies/mL |
| Reportable Disease: |
|
| Comments: |
This test is intended for use in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers as an indicator of disease prognosis. This test is also used as an aid in assessing viral response to antiretroviral treatment as measured by changes in plasma HIV-1 RNA levels. The analytic measurement range of this assay is 1.7 - 7.0 log copies (50 - 10,000,000 copies/mL). The clinical significance of changes in HIV-1 RNA measurement has not been fully established; however, a threefold (0.5 log) change in copies/mL may be significant. False positive results may occur. Care should be taken when interpreting results, especially for seronegative patients. This assay should not be used for blood donor screening, associated re-entry protocols, or for screening Human Cell, Tissues, and Cellular Tissue-Based Products (HCT/P). |
| Revised: |
7/11/2011 |
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call
NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.
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