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General
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Clinical Use:
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Quantitative measurements of HIV RNA viral load, used to guide and monitor disease progression and treatment outcome. Usually performed on EDTA plasma but can be done on CSF by consultation.
Not to be used for HIV NAT or HIV PCR |
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Availability:
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The HIV viral load assay is set up 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) at approx.10.00am.
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Aliases/Synonyms:
| HIV RNA, |
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Code:
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HIVVL |
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Handling Instructions (to laboratory):
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Send sample chilled or frozen as described in processing instructions. |
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Hyperlink:
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Reference Interval:
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Refer to report or laboratory
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Collection Requirements
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Container:
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EDTA with gel-PPT (PEARL), |
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Sample Type:
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Blood |
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Minimum Collection Volume:
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Blood - 5mL (1mL Paediatric) NOTE: >350ul plasma is required |
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Collection Instructions:
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Nil |
Processing Requirements
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Alternate Containers:
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EDTA (LAVENDER) |
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EDTA (LAV9) |
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CSF Tube 1 (CSF1) |
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Processing Instructions:
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EDTA with gel-PPT (PEARL)
Do not freeze the primary tube. The sample must be processed within 18 hours from collection time.
If sample CANNOT reach testing laboratory within 18 hours of collection, it must be centrifuged at room temperature at 1200g for 20 minutes. Then store the primary tube at 4 degree and transport to Immunology FSH.
Processed primary tubes can be stored at 4 degrees for maximum 5 days or the plasma can be removed from the primary tube and frozen within 6 days (use a labelled 5DT tube - print out a primary specimen tube label for these samples).
EDTA: If receival by the FSH Immunology laboratory CANNOT be guaranteed within 18 hours from collection time Mon-Friday by 1500hrs, then separate within 18 hours of collection by centrifugation at 1200 x g for 20 minutes at room temperature. The separated plasma is put into a labelled 5DT tube (print out a primary specimen tube label for these samples), stored at 2-8oC and transported at 2-8oC within 5 days or frozen at -20oC to -80oC within 6 days, then transported.
If the sample CAN reach the FSH Immunology laboratory within 18 hours of collection Mon-Friday, by 1500hrs then blood can be collected in sterile tubes using EDTA as the anticoagulant and sent to PathWest Immunology, FSH.
CSF: Do not freeze. Store at 4 degrees and send IMMEDIATELY to PathWest Immunology FSH, for processing. Process within 5 days. |
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Minimum Assay Volume:
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350ul Plasma |
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Stability:
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See processing instructions. 18 hours ambient (Whole); up to 5 days chilled (Separated plasma and CSF): Freeze within 6 days (Separated plasma) and send for testing. |
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Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory):
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Send sample chilled. |
Testing Locations
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Performed at:
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Section
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Department
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Site
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Contact Phone
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Immunology |
Fiona Stanley Hospital |
6152 8006 |
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Last Updated : 11-02-2026 15:49 |