VL suppression was defined as HIV-1 RNA levels ≤1000 copies/mL by week 24.
8
HIV VLs were performed on either: COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS® TaqMan® HIV-1
Test, version 2.0 or
Abbott real-time HIV-1 (Automated), version m2000sp.
According to national guidelines, VLs are recommended 24 weeks after initiation
while on or with any change in ARV regimen. Data showed variation in timing
possibly due to clinician management decisions, test availability, and clinic
attendance. Therefore, VLs done 8 weeks before or after scheduled initial VL at
24 weeks were considered “24 weeks,” while any VL outside this time frame was
considered an “any other VL measurement.”
Zulu P.M., Toeque M.G., Hachaambwa L., Chirwa L., Fwoloshi S., Siwingwa M., Mbewe M., Rosser J.I., Stafford K.A., Lindsay B., Mulenga L, & Claassen C.W. (2021). Retrospective Review of Virologic and Immunologic Response in Treatment-Experienced Patients on Third-Line HIV Therapy in Lusaka, Zambia. Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, 20, 23259582211022463.