HIV Proviral

Pathology category

Microbiology - Referred samples

Code

HIPS

Referral code

Request form

ICE and UKHSA Diagnostic request form (S3) for HIV (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hiv-reference-test-referral-form)

Test information

HIV-1 proviral DNA detection is used to detect HIV in newborns from infected mothers

Guidelines

BHIVA guidelines on the management of HIV in pregnancy and the postpartum period 2025

Pre-analytical

Samples should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection. Where possible, whole blood samples should not be sent over a weekend.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

1 x EDTA

Special requirements

Please provide mothers name/DOB/NHS number and send whole BLOOD EDTA from the infant’s mother so that we can ensure that primers used for neonatal diagnosis will amplify the maternal virus

Minimum volume

>1 ml

Assay frequency

Twice weekly

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

Not available

TAT Inpatient

Not available

TAT GP/Outpatient

Referral lab

UKSHA Virus Reference Department Colindale, TAT: 8 days