Pathology Handbook

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HIV Viral Load (CSF sendaway test)

Laboratory:

Microbiology

Test Code:

HIL

Specimen Types:

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Container Types:

CSF Micro-tubes

Adults Volume or Mass:

2 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume or Mass:

1 mL

Collection & Request Instructions:

TEST CAN ONLY BE DONE ON KNOWN HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS

Request form may state "ART" or "retrovirus infection" or patients should have evidence of positive confirmed HIV serology or previous HIV viral load requests - if unsure, please speak with Clinical Microbiologist or Microbiology Department.

Requests for urgent testing must be approved by the Microbiology Unit Head.

A minimum of 1 mL of CSF is required for this test.

Note: NATA/RCPA accreditation does not cover CSF samples, as test is not validated on this sample type. Results should be interpreted with caution.

Transport Instructions:

Room Temperature

Assay Frequency:

Daily