Results of a physician survey on ordering viral load testing. Opportunity for laboratory consultation.
OBJECTIVE
To profile physicians' practices, utilization, and understanding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA (viral load) testing and the laboratory's role in this testing.


METHODS
Cross sectional study using a 34-item self-report survey mailed to physicians identified as requesting viral load testing, with follow-up mailings to nonresponders.


METHODS
A sampling of US physicians specializing in infectious diseases, internal medicine, and family practice associated with high, medium, and low human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome incidence areas.


RESULTS
Most respondents using viral load results were infectious diseases specialists practicing in urban areas. The reasons most frequently given for requesting viral load testing were (1) to assist in patient follow-up or monitoring (75.4%), and (2) to initiate/guide therapy (62.5%). Respondents indicated that the interpretation and use of viral load results presented difficulty in the areas of patient treatment and in determining what change from baseline was clinically significant. Few respondents used the testing laboratory pathologist as a resource for interpreting viral load test results.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study indicates that physicians have questions about (1) the meaning of viral load tests, (2) how often to monitor the viral load, and (3) what change from baseline of the viral load is significant. Few physicians avail themselves of the expertise available in the laboratory for testing viral loads and interpreting such results.
Hofherr
Louise K
LK
Laboratory Assurance Program, Graduate School of Public Health, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif 92120, USA. lhofherr@mail.sdsu.edu
Francis
Diane P
DP
Astles
J Rex
JR
Schalla
William O
WO
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D019562:Viral Load / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D012367:RNA, Viral