Considerations for Collecting Blood Samples for HIV Drug Resistance Monitoring32–34
| Sample Type | Storage | Transport and Shipment | Equipment | Training Needed | Blood Testing Capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBS | Ambient temperature storage for up to 14a days; Long term storage in non-frost-free -20°C freezer or ≤-70°C freezer | DBS cards may be transported in an envelope to the lab at ambient temperature within 14 days | DBS cards, blood tube, and pipette to spot the cards | Minimal training required; clinical staff may have DBS experience with infant HIV testing | Five spots (per DBS card), limiting amount of blood available for testing; quality control or troubleshooting |
| Whole blood (for plasma) | Whole blood can be refrigerated prior to shipment (up to 24 hours) or immediately processed for plasma to be kept in ≤-70°C freezer for storage | Whole blood optimally shipped using ice packs; Plasma must be shipped on dry ice and stored at ≤-70°C | EDTA blood tube to collect whole blood (heparin not suitable); centrifuge needed to separate plasma from blood | Minimal training required for whole blood collection; additional laboratory training required for plasma preparation | Quantity of blood collected in tube allows for HIVDR, with leftover blood available for quality control or troubleshooting |
Abbreviations: DBS, dried blood spot; EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; HIVDR, HIV drug resistance.
↵a The GEMS project aimed to complete sample transport within 5 days.