Stability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 RNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid Determined with the AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR Test, Version 1.5 (Ultrasensitive)

We evaluated the effects of time, temperature, freezing, and thawing on the cerebrospinal fluid viral load by using the Roche AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR test, version 1.5 (ultrasensitive). While a statistically significant decrease from the baseline was observed at 24 h, but not at 6 or 12 h, and with one freeze-thaw cycle, all changes were within the range of intra-assay variability.