HIV Viral Load (Plasma)

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Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HVLD

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8015

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

A dedicated specimen (i.e. no other tests to be performed) is required for this assay. PPT is the preferred specimen type. Plasma from EDTA whole blood, including EDTA Micro collect is acceptable.

Registration

If an FBC and a Molecular assay are requested and only one EDTA tube is received, send the EDTA tube for FBC testing and send a Query Correct Specimen form to VIM. If a Micro sample and a full EDTA tube are received for both FBC and Molecular testing, send the Micro sample for FBC testing and retain the EDTA tube for the Molecular assay.

Separating

Separate plasma from EDTA whole blood within 6 hours of collection and store in dedicated labelled secondary screw cap tubes. Centrifuge PPT tubes within 6 hours of collection. Transport plasma aliquot and centrifuged PPT tubes.

Laboratory

Plasma aliquot from EDTA whole blood and centrifuged PPT tubes should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section at ambient temperature on the day of collection during normal working hours, Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, specimens should be stored at 2–8°C in the designated box/rack. in ALSS.

Sample Stability

PPT tubes with separated plasma are stable at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. If storage exceeds 7 days, plasma should be aliquoted and frozen at ≤−20°C. Plasma aliquots separated from EDTA whole blood are stable at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. If storage exceeds 7 days, aliquots should be frozen at ≤−20°C.

Associated Tests

Synonyms

HIV-1 Viral Load
HIV Quantitative PCR
HIV Viral Load

Turnaround Time

4 days

Test is performed twice a week and not performed on weekends.

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • PPT Plasma Preparation Tube (Pale Pink Cap)
Acceptable
  • PPT Plasma Preparation Tube (Pale Pink Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.7

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • EDTA (Microtainer)
Acceptable
  • EDTA (Microtainer)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1.5

Pre-testing Requirements

The preferred plasma volume is 650 µL for routine high-volume testing. If insufficient volume is available, small-volume testing can be performed using a minimum of 350 µL of plasma.
Relevant clinical details MUST be written on the request form otherwise the test will be declined.

Additional Specimen Information

Viral load results may be adversely affected by delay in transport.

Last updated: 30/08/2026