Ordering Guidance

This test is intended for detection and identification of drug resistance-associated HIV-1 genotypic mutations in plasma specimens of individuals prior to or while receiving combination antiretroviral therapy.

Prior to requesting this test, patients must have a confirmed plasma HIV-1 RNA level (ie, viral load) of 1000 copies/mL or higher within the preceding 30 days. HIVQN / HIV-1 RNA Detection and Quantification, Plasma is available to provide this prerequisite test result. Alternately, if the patient's viral load is unknown, order HIQDR / HIV-1 RNA Quantification with Reflex to Genotypic Drug Resistance to Reverse Transcriptase, Protease, and Integrase Inhibitors, Plasma, which will perform viral load followed by genotype, if appropriate.

For initial diagnosis of HIV, order HIVDX / HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antigen and Antibody Diagnostic Evaluation, Plasma.

Additional Testing Requirements

Shipping Instructions

If shipment will be delayed for more than 24 hours, freeze plasma specimen at -70° C (up to 60 days) until shipment on dry ice.

Necessary Information

The following ask-at-order entry question must be answered at the time of test ordering (mark answer on the test request form if not ordering electronically):

HIV-1 RNA level copies/mL in last 30 days = (select answer option)

<1000

1000 to 1,000,000

1,000,001 to 10,000,000

>10,000,000

Note: Test requests for submitted specimens with less than 1000 copies/mL (not sufficient amount for testing), “No,” or no response entered will be canceled.

Specimen Required

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2.2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Centrifuge blood collection tube and aliquot plasma into plastic vial per collection tube manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).

2. Freeze aliquoted plasma for shipment.

Additional Information: Specimens submitted for HIV-1 genotyping must contain 1000 copies/mL or more of HIV-1 RNA.