Test Id : HIVQN
HIV-1 RNA Detection and Quantification, Plasma
Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Quantifying plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (viral load) in individuals living with HIV-1:
-Before initiating antiretroviral therapy to obtain baseline viral load
-Who may have developed HIV-1 drug resistance while on antiretroviral therapy
-Who may be noncompliant with antiretroviral therapy
Monitoring HIV-1 disease progression before or during antiretroviral drug therapy
Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
The following algorithms are available:
-HIV Prenatal Testing Algorithm, Including Follow-up of Reactive Rapid Serologic Test Results
-HIV Treatment Monitoring Algorithm
Method Name
A short description of the method used to perform the test
Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
NY State Available
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.
Reporting Name
Lists a shorter or abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test
Aliases
Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1) RNA, Viral Load
HIV-1 PCR
HIV-1 Quantitation, PCR
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, PCR
PCR, HIV-1 Quantitation
HIV viral load
HIV-1 viral load
HIV-1 RNA
Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
The following algorithms are available:
-HIV Prenatal Testing Algorithm, Including Follow-up of Reactive Rapid Serologic Test Results
-HIV Treatment Monitoring Algorithm
Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type validated for testing
Plasma EDTA
Shipping Instructions
1. Ship specimen frozen on dry ice.
2. If shipment will be delayed for more than 24 hours, freeze plasma specimen at -20 to -80 degrees C until shipment on dry ice.
Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Freeze aliquoted plasma for shipment.
Special Instructions
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Microbiology Test Request (T244)
Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the testing laboratory. The minimum volume is sufficient for one attempt at testing.
0.8 mL
Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Frozen (preferred) | 84 days | |
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Quantifying plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (viral load) in individuals living with HIV-1:
-Before initiating antiretroviral therapy to obtain baseline viral load
-Who may have developed HIV-1 drug resistance while on antiretroviral therapy
-Who may be noncompliant with antiretroviral therapy
Monitoring HIV-1 disease progression before or during antiretroviral drug therapy
Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
The following algorithms are available:
-HIV Prenatal Testing Algorithm, Including Follow-up of Reactive Rapid Serologic Test Results
-HIV Treatment Monitoring Algorithm
Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Currently, 2 types of HIV, HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV type 2 (HIV-2), are known to infect humans. HIV-1 has been isolated from patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex, and from asymptomatic infected individuals at high-risk for AIDS. Accounting for more than 99% of HIV infection in the world, HIV-1 is transmitted by sexual contact, by exposure to infected blood or blood products, from an infected pregnant woman to fetus in utero or during birth, or from an infected mother to infant via breast-feeding. HIV-2 has been isolated from infected patients in West Africa, and it appears to be endemic only in that region. However, HIV-2 also has been identified in individuals who have lived in West Africa or had sexual relations with individuals from that geographic region. HIV-2 is similar to HIV-1 in its morphology, overall genomic structure, and ability to cause AIDS.
Multiple clinical studies of plasma HIV-1 viral load (expressed as HIV-1 RNA copies/mL of plasma) have shown a clear relationship of HIV-1 RNA copy number to stage of HIV-1 disease and efficacy of anti-HIV-1 therapy. Quantitative HIV-1 RNA level in plasma (ie, HIV-1 viral load) is an important surrogate marker in assessing the risk of disease progression and monitoring response to anti-HIV-1 drug therapy in the routine medical care of individuals living with HIV-1.
HIV serologic tests may be unreliable for infants born to HIV-infected mothers. In infants up to 2 years, positive serologic test results can be due to the presence of maternal HIV antibodies. Therefore, the US Department of Health and Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Therapy and Medical Management of HIV-Infected Children recommends the use of HIV RNA or proviral DNA tests for the detection of HIV infection in infants born to HIV-infected mothers.
Reference Values
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Undetected
Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
This assay has a plasma HIV-1 RNA quantification result range of 20 to 10,000,000 copies/mL (1.30-7.00 log copies/mL).
An "Undetected" result indicates that the assay was unable to detect HIV-1 RNA in the plasma specimen tested.
A result of "<20 copies/mL" indicates that HIV-1 RNA is detected, but the level present is less than the lower quantification limit of this assay. Due to the increased sensitivity of this assay, patients with previously low or undetectable HIV-1 viral load may show increased or detectable viral load with this assay. However, the clinical implications of a viral load below 20 copies/mL remain unclear. Possible causes of such a result include very low plasma HIV-1 viral load present (eg, in the range of 1-19 copies/mL), very early HIV-1 infection (ie, <3 weeks from time of infection), or absence of HIV-1 infection (ie, false-positive).
A result of ">10,000,000 copies/mL" with the result comment of "HIV-1 RNA level is >10,000,000 copies/mL (>7.00 log copies/mL). This assay cannot accurately quantify HIV-1 RNA above this level" indicates that HIV-1 RNA is detected, but the level present is above the upper quantification limit of this assay.
For monitoring a patient's response to antiretroviral therapy, the US Department of Health and Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents defines virologic failure as a confirmed viral load above 200 copies/mL, which eliminates most cases of viremia resulting from isolated blips or assay variability. Confirmed viral load rebound (ie, >200 copies/mL) on 2 separate tests obtained at least 2 to 4 weeks apart should prompt a careful evaluation of patient's tolerance of current drug therapy, drug-drug interactions, and patient adherence.
Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
This test is not licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a screening test for HIV-1 infection in donors of blood, human cells, tissues, or tissue products.
Although this quantitative HIV-1 RNA test is not FDA-approved for diagnostic purposes, the US Department of Health and Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Therapy and Medical Management of HIV-Infected Children recommends the use of molecular-based assays to detect HIV-1 RNA or proviral DNA for the diagnosis of HIV infection in infants under 2 years and born to HIV-infected mothers.
A single HIV-1 viral load test result should not be used as the sole criterion in guiding therapeutic decisions and intervention in the clinical care of individuals living with HIV-1. Viral load results should be correlated with patient symptoms, clinical presentation, and CD4 cell count. Due to the inherent variability in the assay, physiologic variation, and concurrent illnesses in the infected patients, less than 100-fold (<2 log) changes in plasma HIV-1 viral load should not be considered significant changes.
Viral load results of less than 20 copies/mL do not necessarily indicate absence of HIV-1 viral replication. Inhibitory substances may be present in the plasma specimen, leading to negative or falsely low HIV-1 RNA results. Improper specimen collection or storage may lead to negative or falsely lower plasma viral load results.
Although this commercial HIV-1 viral load assay is optimized for quantification of plasma viral load in HIV-1 infection due to HIV-1 groups M (subtypes A to H) and O strains, results generated from HIV-1 group O strains may be discordant (> or = 0.5 log copies/mL) with those obtained from other commercially available HIV-1 viral load assays. The assay is not reliable for quantifying plasma viral loads in infection caused by HIV-1 group N and HIV-2 strains.
ACD plasma specimens are not optimal for HIV-1 viral load testing because such plasma specimens show HIV-1 RNA levels that are approximately 15% lower than those collected in tubes containing EDTA. Plasma specimens stored frozen in plasma preparation tubes (PPT) are not suitable for HIV-1 viral load testing due to falsely high viral load results from release of intracellular HIV-1 nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) during the freezing process.
Clinical Reference
Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Branson BM, Owen SM, Wesolowski LG, et al. Laboratory testing for the diagnosis of HIV infection: Updated recommendations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; June 27, 2014. Accessed January 29, 2025. Available at http://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/23447
2. Gunthard HF, Saag MS, Benson CA, et al. Antiretroviral drugs for treatment and prevention of HIV infection in adults: 2016 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel. JAMA. 2016;316(2):191-210
3. Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents: Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents with HIV. US Department of Health and Human Services; October 17, 2017. Updated September 12, 2024. Accessed January 29, 2025. Available at https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/sites/default/files/guidelines/documents/adult-adolescent-arv/guidelines-adult-adolescent-arv.pdf
Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
The cobas HIV-1 assay is an US Food and Drug Administration-approved, in vitro nucleic acid amplification test for the quantification of HIV-1 RNA in human plasma using the cobas 5800/6800/8800 Systems for fully automated viral nucleic acid extraction (generic silica-based capture technique) and automated amplification and detection of the viral nucleic acid sequence. This polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay amplifies sequences within the gag gene and long terminal repeat (LTR) region of the HIV-1 genome and generates amplification products that are detected and quantified in real-time with 2 sequence-specific TaqMan probes. A non-HIV armored RNA quantitation standard (RNA-QS) is introduced into each specimen during sample preparation to serve as internal control for nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification and detection processes. Fluorescent reporter dye-labeled TaqMan probes hybridized to the complementary HIV-1 target sequences and RNA-QS sequence undergo hydrolysis during PCR amplification step to generate fluorescent signal detected in 2 different dye channels. Concentration of the HIV-1 RNA in a patient's plasma sample is determined by a ratio of the intensity of the fluorescent dye from the cleaved HIV-1 target sequence probes and that from the RNA-QS target probe detected throughout the PCR process.(Package insert: cobas HIV-1 - Quantitative nucleic acid test for use on the cobas 5800, 6800, and 8800 Systems; Roche Molecular Systems, Inc; Doc rev. 4.0, 11/2022)
PDF Report
Indicates whether the report includes an additional document with charts, images or other enriched information
Day(s) Performed
Outlines the days the test is performed. This field reflects the day that the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means that assays are performed multiple times during the day.
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
The interval of time (receipt of sample at Mayo Clinic Laboratories to results available) taking into account standard setup days and weekends. The first day is the time that it typically takes for a result to be available. The last day is the time it might take, accounting for any necessary repeated testing.
Specimen Retention Time
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
Performing Laboratory Location
Indicates the location of the laboratory that performs the test
Fees :
Several factors determine the fee charged to perform a test. Contact your U.S. or International Regional Manager for information about establishing a fee schedule or to learn more about resources to optimize test selection.
- Authorized users can sign in to Test Prices for detailed fee information.
- Clients without access to Test Prices can contact Customer Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Prospective clients should contact their account representative. For assistance, contact Customer Service.
Test Classification
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) product.
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.
CPT Code Information
Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Clinic Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.
CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.
CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.
87536
LOINC® Information
Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the order and results codes of this test. LOINC values are provided by the performing laboratory.
| Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HIVQN | HIV-1 RNA Detect/Quant, P | 70241-5 |
| Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
|---|---|---|
| 113581 | HIV-1 RNA Detect/Quant, P | 70241-5 |