HIV-1 Proviral DNA

DESCRIPTION – assay steps include viral RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and detection by rea time PCR. The assay detects a conserved region of the HIV-2 LTR repeat region

METHODOLOGY – real time polymerase chain reaction (real time PCR)

TURN AROUND TIME – 4 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – lavender (EDTA), pink (potassium EDTA)

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – separate the plasma from cells within 24 hours and transfer 3 ml plasm into transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – frozen

STABILITY – refrigerated: 72 hours; frozen: 3 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – serum, heparinized specimen and clotted specimens

MRP – 3100

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory