HIV, human immunodeficiency virus - detection

Molecular detection of HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 virus nucleic acids
Microbiology
Virology
○ Serum, plasma ○ Dried blood spot
Other Information
○ Dried blood spots should only be collected from infants under 18 months of age and are considered an alternative specimen only in instances where venous blood collection is difficult OR if transport will be prolonged
○ The test is intended to be used as an aid in diagnosis of HIV under specific conditions: infants born to HIV-positive or high risk mothers; pregnant women; resolution of indeterminate HIV antibody test; diagnosis of acute infection (window period); transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs.
○ A HIV-2 RNA positive result is reported as presumptive positive and requires referral to the National Laboratory for HIV Reference Services (NLHRS) in Winnipeg.
○ EDTA-blood tube (lavender top)
○ Serum separator tube (SST)
○ Dried blood spot card (4 spots per patient)

Whole blood/plasma
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect blood in appropriate container.
○ Neonatal blood volume min 3 ml.

Dried blood spot
○ Collect capillary blood from heel stick/other site or venous blood collected in EDTA. Spot blood onto multiple spots on each card (at least 4) and allow blood to saturate. Air dry for minimum of 4 hours.

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ Up to 10 days (HIV-1)
○ Up to 14 days from receipt by PHOL (HIV-2)
416-586-4800 extension 4527
NO except for STAT specimens
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.. For dried blood spots, each card should be placed into a separate bag with dessicant sachet.

○ Specimens should be stored at room temperature (20-25˚C) after collection for HIV-1 testing and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP.

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing