TABLE 2.

Loss of plasma HIV-1 RNA over time by type of anticoagulant, assay method, and processing interval

Anticoagulant	Assay	Plasma HIV-1 RNA levels (log10 copies/ml) at the following times postcollectiona:
		2 h (n = 69)	6 hb(n = 65)	18 hb(n = 66)
Heparin	bDNA	3.83 ± 0.72	−0.12 ± 0.11c	−0.27 ± 0.15c
	RT-PCR	4.41 ± 0.65	−0.05 ± 0.15c	−0.15 ± 0.16c
EDTA	bDNA	3.93 ± 0.73	−0.00 ± 0.15	−0.09 ± 0.19c
	RT-PCR	4.44 ± 0.69	−0.02 ± 0.14	−0.09 ± 0.17c

^aValues are means ± standard deviations. 

^bLevels are differences with respect to the levels at 2 h. 

^cStatistically significant difference (P < 0.05; paired t test).