HIV-2 DNA/RNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

HIV-2 Proviral, HIV-2 Proviral DNA

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232246, Beaker: HIV2 DNARNA, Quest: 34977

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Lavender-top EDTA tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Do not Centrifuge. Maintain specimen at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.0 mL whole blood, room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). (Minimum: 0.4 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimen.
• Heparinized whole blood.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Do not Centrifuge. Maintain specimen at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F).

Transport: 1.0 mL whole blood, room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). (Minimum: 0.4 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Daily.
Results available in 2-3 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Clinical Utility

HIV-2 DNA/RNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR – Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 2 (HIV-2) is currently diagnosed by the presence of antibodies to HIV-2, the detection of specific HIV-2 antigens or the ability to culture HIV-2 from blood, fluid or tissue of infected persons. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, on the other hand, allows for the exponential enzymatic amplification of selected HIV-2 DNA sequences present in clinical specimens. The amplified fragments are then detected by hybridization to an HIV-2 specific labeled probe. As a result, the HIV-2 DNA PCR is a highly sensitive and specific method to detect the presence of HIV-2 proviral DNA in clinical specimens.

The diagnosis of infection should not rely solely upon the result of a PCR assay. A positive result should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional clinical tests. A negative PCR result indicates the absence of HIV-2 proviral DNA at detectable levels in the sample tests and does not exclude diagnosis of disease.

CPT Codes

87538

Contacts

Last Updated

12/19/2025