Alberta Precision Laboratories

--- Query Results ---

Organization:

Sub-Page

Test Name/Synonym:

SAC HIV Plasma Viral Load

Clinical Indications:

SAC (Southern Alberta Clinic) HIV Plasma Viral Load testing is used to monitor response to antiretroviral therapy in persons previously diagnosed with HIV-1.

For persons not yet diagnosed with HIV-1, refer to HIV Diagnostic Testing

For persons previously diagnosed with HIV-1 not registered with SAC, refer to HIV 1 NAT and HIV 2 NAT

Ordering Alert:

SAC HIV Testing is only performed for patients registered with the Southern Alberta HIV Clinic (SAC - Calgary)

Collection Alert:

Collection is only available at designated sites throughout the province. Refer to Test Collection Locations for Southern Alberta Clinic Patients – Patient Instructions for designated collection sites. Most Alberta Precision Laboratories test collection sites require appointments, with limited locations accepting walk-in patients.

On-Line Booking:
- QMe (albertaprecisionlabs.ca)
- Patient/designate must select a designated collection site

Phone Booking:
- 1-877-702-4486
- Patient/designate must indicate that the appointment is for collection of a ‘SAC HIV’ test

First Nations and Inuit Health Branch locations
- Refer to Test Collection Locations for Southern Alberta Clinic Patients – Patient Instructions

If	Then
The patient requires Mobile Collections	SAC must prearrange Mobile Collections
Designated collection site is outside urban Calgary	Collections restricted to Monday-Thursday Collections must be performed using PPT™

LABID (Connect Care):

LAB12308062

Specimen Collection Requirements:

5 mL PPT™
Alternate for urban Calgary sites only: 3 mL EDTA

Fill tube to capacity

Processing:

PPT	Centrifuge, within 6 hours, at 1100 rcf for 10 minutes Do not aliquot Refrigerate
EDTA (if collected as alternate for urban Calgary sites only):	Centrifuge, within 6 hours, at routine settings (1100-1300 rcf) for 10 minutes Aliquot plasma in a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) Refrigerate

PPT™ collections at designated FNIHB locations are transported to the nearest APL location, where they must be centrifuged prior to transport to Public Health Lab Calgary (PLSA).

Uncentrifuged PPT™ or EDTA specimens not received by Public Health Lab Calgary (PLSA) within 6 hours of collection will be cancelled and will require recollection.

Transportation:

Transport on ice packs

Transport as TDG category B:

Refer to https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/acts-regulations/list-regulations/transportation-dangerous-goods-regulation
APL personnel - refer to HSM14 Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Program

Method:

Abbott Real Time HIV-1 Assay

Method and Interpretation of Results:

HIV 1 Viral Load

A. HIV not detected with no numerical value indicates either absence of viraemia OR below the assay detection threshold of 40 copies /mL

B. HIV detected with a value > 40 copies/mL indicates active infection with a quantifiable viral load.

C. HIV is unquantifiable, with a value < 40 copies/ml can either be:

I. HIV is present, but below the linear range of the assay OR

II. False positive result Contact the Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call for additional information if required.

Routine Turn Around Time:

7 days

Testing Schedule:

Twice weekly

Testing Area:

Virology

Performing Site:

Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Calgary)

Additional Test Information:

HIV is a notifiable disease in Alberta
For HIV 2 viral load testing, consult with the Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call

Last Updated On:

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Date of Last Review:

Oct 9 2025 12:00AM

Registered Trademark Comments:

PPT™ is a registered trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company