HIV viral load & resistance testing

 

Alternative names, keywords

 

Samples required

2x EDTA blood (purple cap, 4 mL tube). Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

>1 mL CSF

Test indications

 

Test information

  • HIV 1 RNA detection and quantification: on EDTA blood - CSF samples are not currently validated for HIV viral load testing.
  • Genotypic resistance
  • HIV-1 tropism

Resistance and tropism testing will only be performed on samples with a detectable viral load.

Samples for genotypic resistance will be sent to Birmingham. Samples for tropism will be sent to Colindale, London.

For the HIV testing policy please click here.

Reference range

 

Turnaround time

See virology and microbiological serology turnaround times.

Enquiries

Microbiology (Virology and Serology), ext. 64627