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Sample Submission Guidelines for Monogram Drug Resistance Assays
Click here for an illustration of proper sample handling and collection guidelines.
The following describes the requirements for collection, handling, and shipment of blood samples prior to testing in the PhenoSense™ HIV, GeneSeq™ HIV and PhenoSense GT™ assays. HIV RNA is especially vulnerable to degradation, therefore proper collection and handling of blood specimens is essential for successful performance of the assays. Samples with lower viral loads are more susceptible to degradation than samples with higher viral loads.
Specimen Volume and Identification Requirements:
- 3.0 mL of plasma must be sent for optimal performance of the assays. Either sterile PPT (pearl top) or tubes containing EDTA (lavender top) may be used for sample collection.
- Proper identification of specimens is extremely important. Confirm patient identification and print the patient’s first and last name or unique identifier as they appear on the test request form on the tubes in the patient’s presence. The patient’s name or unique identifier on the specimen must be identical to the patient’s name on the test request form.
- Please indicate on the test request form the patient’s most recent viral load with viral load collection date. For best results, viral loads should be confirmed within the two weeks prior to submission for testing at Monogram. NOTE: PhenoSense™ GT, PhenoSense™ HIV, and GeneSeq™ HIV assays are intended for use only for patients with viral loads greater than or equal to 500 copies/mL.
Sample Collection and Processing:
- Draw whole blood into either two 5.0 mL PPT (pearl top) or tubes containing EDTA anticoagulant (lavender top).
- Immediately centrifuge blood (within two hours of collection) at 1000-1200 x g at room temperature (18 – 25o C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Do not allow samples to remain in centrifuge after centrifugation.
- For EDTA samples: after centrifugation, immediately remove plasma from cells and transfer to a screw cap top tube.
- Immediately after centrifugation, freeze plasma sample at or below - 20o C in a standard laboratory freezer. Sample should be frozen when courier arrives to pick it up.
- DO NOT THAW SAMPLE AFTER FREEZING!
If you have any questions, please contact Monogram Customer Service at (800) 777-0177 between the hours of 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM PT (9:30 AM – 8:00 PM ET).
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