HIV RNA Screening for Acute HIV Infection (Tested Individually)

Test Menu Name - HIV-1 RNA Screening / HIV-1 RNA Confirmation (Run Individually)

Synonym(s) - Individual RNA, Screening for acute HIV infection (tested individually); HIV-1 RNA detection for HIV-1 confirmatory testing

Methodology - Real Time RT-PCR

Acceptable Specimen Type(s) for Testing - Human plasma

Transport / Collection Medium - Plasma collection tubes (EDTA)

Storage and Preservation of Specimen - Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be held at 15 to 30°C for up to 24 hours or at 2 to 8°C for up to 48 hours, prior to centrifugation. After centrifugation, plasma specimens may be stored at 2 to 8°C for up to 3 days. If longer storage is required, plasma specimens must be held at -70°C or lower.

Minimum Volume Required - 3.0 milliliters of whole blood, or 1.5 milliliters of plasma

Additional Collection Instructions - None

Additional Required Information - Collection date and time required on requisition form.

Send Out? - No

Turnaround Time - 7 business days (Monday to Friday)

Testing Restrictions - For routine HIV-1 RNA confirmatory testing. For suspected acute HIV-1 infection: high suspicion only, or through laboratory consultation

Limitations / Notes / Disclaimers - This PCR assay was developed and its performance characteristics were determined by the San Francisco Public Health Laboratory. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has determined that such approval is not necessary and results should not be regarded as investigational or for research. The San Francisco Public Health Laboratory has validated the extended room temperature stability of plasma specimens for HIV-1 pooling.