Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
This test is normally requested by HIV physicians for patients known to be infected with HIV. It is a genotypic (sequencing) test which detects mutations in the virus which may be associated with resistance to specific antiretroviral medications. It can be used as a baseline test at the time of diagnosis or when viral load is not fully suppressed on treatment.
This test is normally only performed with the HIV RNA is greater than 1000 copies/ml. Requests should be accompanied by a completed request form (Cambridge Clinical Laboratories).
Specimen container paediatric:
EDTA blood
Specimen container adult:
EDTA blood
Minimum volume paediatric:
1ml
Minimum volume adult:
5ml
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add On Test:
Possible up to 6 months.
Quality Assurance:
Sample referred to Reference Laboratory.
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports by Reference Laboratory
Reference Ranges:
None available
Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Referenced Documents:
N/A
Other Info:
Referred to Cambridge Clinical Laboratories