Quantitative Viral Outgrowth Assay (Q-VOA)

In-vitro production of replication-competent HIV in resting CD4+ T cells expressed as infectious units per million (IUPM)

To achieve cure or remission in HIV infection, the latent reservoir where HIV evades the immune system must be eradicated. The quantitative viral outgrowth assay is performed on highly purified resting CD4+ T cells that reverse latency and induce replication of HIV. 

Sample Type

Whole blood collected in EDTA. Cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Sample Volume

Peripheral Blood – 40-150 milliliters. Cryopreserved PBMC – 108 - 109 cells.

The smallest volume of blood that is accepted for pediatric studies is 2 milliliters