HIV PCR (proviral DNA)

Diagnostic Use

The main application of HIV pro-viral DNA PCR is to diagnose HIV infection in infants born to HIV-infected mothers. Please consult a Microbiologist or Microbiology Registrar before sending samples.
Testing is commonly performed at birth and after the compulsory 6 weeks treatment.

Testing may be performed in special cases to diagnose HIV infection when synthesis of antibodies is masked or not present. Please consult a Microbiologist or Microbiology Registrar before sending samples

Testing is performed at Labplus in Auckland.

A negative result may be due to:
1. Absence of HIV, or
2. Level of virus in sample below the sensitivity limits of the assay, or
3. Sequence variation of virus not recognised by the test primers.

Results should be interpreted in correlation with clinical history.

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

HIVP

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Dedicated EDTA tubes required

Laboratory

Testing is referred to LabPlus Auckland

Synonyms

HIV DNA detection
HIV proviral DNA
Proviral DNA

Turnaround Time

12 days

Test Code

2888

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.0

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

2.5

Additional Specimen Information

From LabPlus Test Guide:
There is an absolute minimum volume for this assay of 2.5mL. Minimum collect of 4x full up microcollect EDTA tubes or 1x 2mL EDTA tube. If any less volume is received the specimen will not be tested.

Each request must be accompanied by a current full blood count.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Test Method

From LabPlus Test Guide: HIV proviral DNA detection is performed using COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 Test, v2.0 . This test detects both DNA and RNA. All HIV-1 subtypes of group M and O are detectable with this assay.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$385.69 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

2888

Contact Information

Enquiry Form