--- Query Results --- | |||
| Organization: | Sub-Page | ||
| Test Name/Synonym: | HIV Qualitative PCR (Synonyms: HIV QUAL, HIVQL, HIV Detection NAT) | ||
| LABID (Connect Care): | LAB919 | ||
| Primary Container: | Adults: One full 4 mL EDTA (lavender top) tube. Pediatric: may use one full 2 mL EDTA whole blood tube. | ||
| Specimen Collection Requirements: | For samples that can reach the laboratory within 8 hours of collection: Adults: Collect one full DEDICATED 4 mL EDTA (lavender top) tube. Pediatrics: Collect one full DEDICATED 2 mL EDTA (lavender top) tube. DO NOT centrifuge Ship on ice or cold pack (NOT FROZEN) OR For remote areas (when specimen delivery is >8 hours to Provincial Lab): Collect one full DEDICATED 5 mL PPT (Plasma Preparation Tube) Centrifuge DO NOT open or pour off. Refrigerate until transport. Ship on ice or cold pack. | ||
| Test Resources: |
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| Supplies: | For outside Calgary Zone and Edmonton Zone, PPT may be ordered from the Distribution Centre, Edmonton Site. See: Packing Area/Distribution Centre | ||
| Patient Criteria: | This test should only be ordered following a NEGATIVE or INDETERMINATE HIV confirmation test (Antibody Differentiation) OR when requested by the ProvLab. | ||
| Transportation: | Ship according to Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) guidelines. | ||
| Method and Interpretation of Results: |
A patient who was negative or indeterminate on the HIV confirmation assay (antibody differentiation), and detected on the HIVQUAL assay should be considered to be HIV positive. This scenario likely suggests an acute infection, hence the individual should be referred to the Northern Alberta Program or the Southern Alberta Clinic for treatment and follow-up. A patient who was negative or indeterminate on the HIV confirmation assay (antibody differentiation), and indeterminate on the HIVQUAL assay, should have a follow-up serology and HIV viral load collected immediately. Contact the Virologist On Call for additional information. | ||
| Routine Turn Around Time: | 1 week | ||
| Testing Area: | Virology | ||
| Performing Site: | Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Edmonton and Calgary) | ||
| Additional Test Information: | HIV is a notifiable disease in Alberta | ||
| Last Updated On: | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | ||
| Date of Last Review: | Apr 8 2025 12:00AM | ||
