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Updated: Oct 5, 2026
Amplifying and Quantifying HIV-1 RNA in HIV Infected Individuals with Viral Loads Below the Limit of Detection by Standard Clinical Assays
Published on: September 26, 2011
Substitution of a commercially available, RNA extraction procedure in an HIV-1 genotyping system improves sensitivity
1Department of Virology, Glaxo Wellcome Incorporated, 5 Moore Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3398, USA. llr8156@glaxowellcome.com
Abstract:
The use is described of a commercially available, silica-based extraction procedure for HIV-1 RNA that can be substituted for the extraction procedure supplied with a commercially available, PCR-based genotyping kit for HIV-1. The advantages of using this alternative, commercially available extraction procedure include the following: (1) reduced safety concerns, due to inactivation of virus in the initial step of the extraction procedure; (2) enhanced sensitivity, allowing the use of plasma with HIV-1 RNA levels of less than 2000 copies/ml; (3) improved yield, allowing a 60% reduction in plasma volume; and (4) convenience and improved reproducibility, with a single extraction providing RNA suitable for PCR-based sequencing and for quantitation of HIV-1 RNA levels.
