2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part E
Dried blood spots versus plasma samples for the quantification of HIV-1 viral load levels using the Cobas 4800 system at Kaoma District Hospital
Author(s): Phiri Faliton, Paul Simusika, Patrick Phiri and Alex Maleti
Abstract: HIV remains a major public health concern, especially in Zambia where access to viral load monitoring is challenging in rural areas. This study aimed to compare HIV-1 viral load levels between dried blood spots and plasma samples using the Cobas 4800 System at Kaoma District Hospital. A total of 242 matched samples were analyzed to assess performance, and a subset underwent stability testing after four weeks. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two sample types, with dried blood spots showing lower viral load values. Stability tests indicated consistent viral load levels in dried blood spots over time, while plasma showed more variability. These findings suggest that although dried blood spots offer operational advantages, they may underestimate viral loads, potentially leading to misclassification of treatment outcomes. Therefore, confirmatory testing using plasma is recommended to support accurate clinical decisions in remote settings.
DOI: 10.22271/micro.2025.v6.i2e.279
Pages: 394-397 | Views: 106 | Downloads: 32
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How to cite this article:
Phiri Faliton, Paul Simusika, Patrick Phiri, Alex Maleti. Dried blood spots versus plasma samples for the quantification of HIV-1 viral load levels using the Cobas 4800 system at Kaoma District Hospital. J Adv Microbiol Res 2025;6(2):394-397. DOI: 10.22271/micro.2025.v6.i2e.279
