Viral load monitoring by the clinic-based SAMBA assay VL testing
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The SAMBA assay is a semi-quantitative and robust HIV diagnostic platform for VL monitoring for resource-constrained settings. The SAMBA assay with the cut off of 1000 copies/ml (above or below 1,000 copies/ml) was previously validated and implemented in Uganda and Malawi [Similarly, whole blood was collected in EDTA tubes and plasma was prepared by centrifugation at 1,000g for 10 mins and stored at -20°C within 6 hours of collection prior to VL testing by the SAMBA assay. These samples were thawed and assayed for 90 minutes within 3 days at CCH and VL results were available to care providers within these 3 days. However, these results were not used for immediate clinical management as the children were only seen and monitored bimonthly at the hospital.