Comparison of Roche Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 test version 2.0 (CAP/CTM v2.0) with other real-time PCR assays in HIV-1 monitoring and follow-up of low-level viral loads

► Accurate and reliable viral load monitoring of HIV-1 RNA is important for patient care. ► Real-time PCR-based HIV viral load assays are reported associated with increased viral “blips”. ► The performance characteristics of three FDA-approved assays are comparable. ► Single viral “blips” and intermittent/persistent low-positive viremia are common in patients with low-level viral loads.