Requesting a Virco Test

Virco provides comprehensive HIV drug resistance testing services, comprising Genotyping, Phenotyping and the unique virco®TYPE HIV-1 to clinicians worldwide. This section summarizes the different ways you can receive these services.
 

What tests are available?

You can obtain a full range of HIV drug resistance tests, either from plasma samples or HIV-1 sequences sent to Virco.

How to obtain a test in the United States

• Virco HIV-1 drug resistance tests can be obtained through several laboratory service providers using patient plasma or whole blood samples. For more information, contact a representative of your laboratory service provider or contact virco.
• Reimbursement for drug-resistance tests is provided in most of the Unites States.
• For more information Quest Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano (CA); call 1-800-553-5445 or Nichols Institute Chantilly (VA) at 1-800-336-3718, ext. 3000. www.questdiagnostics.com
  
  

How to obtain a test outside the United States

Virco HIV-1 Drug resistance tests can be obtained from plasma or sequence, either directly by sending your sample to our laboratories in Belgium, or via one of our partners in your region. Contact us for more information.
 

Sending plasma samples to Virco.

We recommend that you send us plasma samples. For any other sample types, please check with us first.
 

How should I collect and process the sample before sending to Virco?

The initial sample should be collected in either an EDTA / Citrate or PPT tube and processed according to the tube manufacturer's guidelines. Heparin tubes should not be used since heparin inhibits the PCR process.
 

What are the minimal accepted standards for a plasma sample sent to Virco?

A plasma sample sent to Virco:

• Should have a minimum viral load of 1,000 HIV-1 RNA copies per ml.
• Should ideally have a volume of 3 ml or an absolute minimum of 500 µl.
• Should ideally be shipped in three cryotubes in 1ml aliquots.
• Must be shipped frozen on dry ice by a reputable courier with experience of transporting Diagnostic specimens.
   

For how long can a plasma sample be stored prior to transport to Virco?

Up to one week: At least -20ºC, preferably -65ºC to -80ºC

Long term storage: -65ºC to -80ºC
 

What information should I send with the sample?

For samples from routine clinical practice the Virco Analysis Request form should be filled out and sent to Virco (see PDF). This tells us which test you require, how you would like Virco to deal with any sample left-overs or data generated in the course of the laboratory processing, the physician's details in order to report out the laboratory results e.t.c. Failure to provide this information along with your sample(s) will result in delayed processing.

NOTE: Samples can only be sent to Virco after confirmation of your order.
 

How should the samples be packed and transported?

You should use a reputable courier with experience of transporting Diagnostic specimens on dry ice. We recommend Federal Express in the USA and World Courier elsewhere. A list of courier contacts in each country can be provided on request. The courier can assist in packing the sample and provide you precise instructions for labeling, required documents, etc.
 

Sending Sequences to Virco

Sequences can be sent to Virco via VircoNET™, our proprietary software for easy and secure management of sequence files. Among other features, VircoNET™ allows: importing and secure internet transmission of multiple sequences to Virco; various options for receipt and storage of virco®TYPE HIV-1 reports; and facilities for creating and managing a patient record database.
 

Receiving Reports from Virco

Virco's reports are produced under the highest quality control standards and delivered with rapid turn-around-times.
 

When will I get the result and in what format?

How will I be billed?

You will receive an invoice, which will include payment instructions.