HIV-1 antiretroviral resistance testing laboratories.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and to describe the genotyping and the phenotyping testing practices of U.S. laboratories performing patient HIV-1 antiretroviral resistance testing.


METHODS
A self-report 44-item mailed questionnaire.


METHODS
Laboratories potentially performing HIV-1 antiretroviral resistance testing.


METHODS
Descriptive study.


RESULTS
Of 236 laboratories surveyed, 165 (69.9%) returned completed surveys, but only 23 performed HIV-1 antiretroviral resistance testing. Most were university hospitals (47.8%) or independent laboratories (26.1%). All 23 laboratories used genotypic methods, while nine (39.1%) used both genotyping and phenotyping. Most testing was used for clinical trials or laboratory research. The amount of patient information collected by laboratories varied, as did their type of quality assurance measures. Variation was found with regard to: testing volume, testing experience, testing reasons, testing methods availability, testing controls, specimen treatment, and storage stability.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to variation in practices in this area of patient testing, it may be advantageous for laboratory professionals to reach a consensus on what is the most acceptable.
Hofherr
Louise K
LK
Laboratory Assurance Program, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA. lhofherr@mail.sdsu.edu
Francis
Diane P
DP
Astles
J Rex
JR
Schalla
William O
WO
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D005838:Genotype; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D010641:Phenotype; D011786:Quality Control; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014481:United States
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents