Diagnostic HIV Laboratory
Pediatric Specimen Collection and Submission
Diagnostic HIV Laboratory
Links
- Pediatric HIV PCR Services:
- Links of Interest
- Home Page
Contact Information
of HIV-exposed infants can be answered
by calling the laboratory at
(518) 474-2163
Completed forms must accompany specimens to:
Diagnostic HIV Pediatric Laboratory
Wadsworth Center
NYS Department of Health
Albany, NY 12201-2002
Collection Information
Obtaining and labeling specimens:
The whole blood specimen should be collected in the EDTA (purple top) tube supplied with the kit. The preferred specimen is a full tube. This volume will permit the performance of HIV DNA PCR testing as well as serological analysis (HIV antibody) and any additional HIV testing as indicated (HIV viral load and drug resistance).
The specimen tube must be labeled with the patient identifiers. Failure to properly label the sample will result in an "unsatisfactory specimen", which will be rejected and request will be made for another specimen to be drawn.
Please consult with the Testing Service or a neonatologist on the size of specimen for premature infants.
Completing the requisition form:
Failure to accurately complete the test requisition form will result in the delay in processing of the specimen. Test requisition forms must be signed by a physician or other professional licensed to order HIV tests. Please note on the requisition form if the infant was transfused.
Test kits, which include a requisition, collection tube, mailing and shipping supplies, can be obtained through the State Order Desk and should be kept in either the physician's office or clinic. Replacements can be ordered by submitting a 'Kit Request Form (PDF -- 8k)' either through by phone (474-4175) or by fax (518-474-8590).
Shipping Information
Samples must be packaged and shipped according to the instructions in the diagnostic specimen mailer and on the day they are drawn and mailed in the specimen mailers and boxes provided via express mail (Fed Ex). Specimens collected on Fridays, weekends or holidays will be processed on the next NYS business day. The sensitivity of the assay may be compromised due to poor specimen quality.
- Packing instructions (HTML) | (PDF -- 145k)
Reporting Information:
Results are sent to the ordering physician within 5 to 7 working days after receipt of the specimen. Please provide complete address including room number to expedite receipt of mailed results. If positive HIV DNA results are obtained on an initial specimen, results will be faxed to the ordering physician (to a secure fax machine ONLY).
If continued follow-up of a patient is recommended, an appropriate test requisition will be included with the report. The laboratory will also recommend the timeframe for submission of the next specimen (when necessary) directly on the previous report.