Reliability at the Lower Limits of HIV-1 RNA Quantification in Clinical Samples: A Comparison of RT-PCR versus bDNA Assays

Abstract

These data support previous reports, suggesting that bDNA may more reliably discriminate between viral suppression and low level viremia in stable patients on therapy. Low-level viremia, noted more with RT-PCR, may promote unneeded testing, while differences in viral load reliability may impact antiretroviral trial and quality assurance endpoints. Commonly used plasma separator tubes may differentially affect RT-PCR and bDNA results.