HIV quantification is achieved through the use of a number of different assays which measure the amount of circulating viral RNA. Assays vary both in methods used to detect viral RNA as well as in ability to detect viral levels at lower limits. However, all employ some type of nucleic acid amplification technique to enhance sensitivity, and results are expressed as the HIV copy number.
Quantification assays of HIV plasma RNA are used prognostically to assess relative risk for disease progression and predict time to death, as well as to assess efficacy of anti-retroviral therapies over time. HIV quantification is often performed together with CD4+ T cell counts which provide information on extent of HIV induced immune system damage already incurred.
Other Names
HIV-1 or HIV-2 quantification or viral load
CPT Codes
87536 Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); HIV-1, quantification
87539 Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); HIV-2, quantification
See also: ICD-10-CM Codes that Support Medical Necessity