TMHIV – “HIV-1 RNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR” replaced by HIVUL – “HIV-1 RNA Ultraquant”

Back to Test Updates

Inactivated/Replace Test

Effective Date

06/24/2025

Included in Report

WML Test Directory Update | June 2025

Replacement Test

HIV-1 RNA, ULTRA QUANTITATIVE

Inactivated Test Details

Mnemonic

TMHIV

Ordering Code

3424450

CPT-4 Codes(s)

87535

Replacement Test Details

Mnemonic

HIVUL

Ordering Code

3041700

CPT-4 Codes(s)

87536

Turnaround Time
3 days
Performed
Monday - Friday
Legacy Code
HIVULTRA
Example Report
Download

Specimen Information

HIV Viral Load Testing Notification
The purpose of this notification is to inform clients of an upcoming change to the HIV-1 RNA, Ultra Quantitative viral load (HIVUL) test report.
Currently, reports for specimens resulted as Not detected for HIV-1 contain the value <20 copies/mL in the HIV-1 RNA Quantitative result field, indicating a viral load below the assay limit of detection (LOD).
In order to meet certain state reporting requirements, specimens resulted as Not detected for HIV-1 will now contain the value 0 copies/mL in the HIV-1 RNA Quantitative result field.
Specimens determined to contain HIV-1 RNA will still be called Detected and the viral load will be reported in the HIV-1 RNA Quantitative result field. Specimens with very low viral loads between 1-19 copies/mL will continue to be reported as Detected with <20 copies/mL reported in the result field.
There is no change to the performance of the HIV-1 RNA assay. Results for all specimens prior to this change will remain unchanged. As indicated in the report messages, a Not detected result does not rule out infection.

Collect

Lavender EDTA

Specimen Preparation

Centrifuge and separate plasma from cells within 6 hours of collection. Send 3.0 mL plasma in a screw capped plastic vial. Dedicated specimens are required.

Alternate Specimen

Plasma: Yellow ACD A

Minimum Volume

2.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Rejection Criteria

Serum specimens, shared specimens, specimens subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles, specimens that do not meet the handling/storage criteria listed above, gel based plasma separation media (PPT)

Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 3 days
Frozen (-20°C): 3 days
Frozen (-70°C): 6 weeks

Methodology

Abbott RealTime HIV-1 system uses an in vitro reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction
(RT-PCR) assay for the detection and quantitation of the diverse group M subtypes A-H as well as
group O and N isolates.
The lower limit of quantitation is 20 copies/mL (1.30 log copies/mL) and the upper limit of
quantitation is 10,000,000 copies/mL (7.0 log copies/mL). The qualitative limit of detection is 20
copies/mL (1.30 log copies/mL). Specimens reported as DETECTED but <20 copies/mL contain
detectable levels of HIV-1 RNA even though the viral load is below the limit of quantitation.
more

Reference Range

HIV-1 RNA: Not detected
HIV-1 RNA Quantitative: <20 copies/mL
LOG HIV CP U/mL: <1.3
more

Performing Laboratory

Warde Medical Laboratory
more

New York DOH Approval Status

Yes
more

Interface Map for HIVUL

Test Name Ordering Code Result Code Component Name LOINC Code AOE Prompt Units
HIV-1 RNA Ultraquant3041700
3041720HIV-1 RNA Qualitative25835-0No
3041740HIV-1 RNA Quantitative20447-9NoCopies/mL
3041760LOG HIV RNA29541-0NoLog (10) Copies/mL
3041780HIV-1 Date ReceivedNot availableNo
3041790HIV-1 Date CompletedNot availableNo

The CPT codes provided are for general informational purposes only and are based on an interpretation of AMA guidance. It is the sole responsibility of the billing party to determine CPT codes. Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the paying party.

Need Help?

We can help you find the right test or let you know if we have a fulfillment partner.

Contact Us