Recent Infection Testing Algorithm (RITA)

Test information: The Recent Infection Testing Algorithm (RITA) is a generic name for a number of tests to distinguish recent HIV infections from HIV infections which have been present for some time. RITA is mainly used to help estimate the number of new infections in the population (known as the 'incidence' of HIV). RITA is not accurate enough to estimate exactly when a patient acquired HIV.

Availability: Referred to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) the antiviral unit (AVU): Monday - Friday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15.

Turnaround Time: Not Stated at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) the antiviral unit (AVU)

Related Tests:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus Serology
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viral Load
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Proviral DNA
• HIV-1 Genotypic Resistance Testing

Specimen Type(s)

• Clotted blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Gold Top SST BD;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• N/A;

Analytes

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) antibodies;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

5 - 10mL

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• Minimum-clotting time 30 minutes.
• Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• Outside of normal hours samples should be refrigerated (2 °C to 8 °C).

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Reference report sent directly to requestor.
A positive RITA result indicates likely acquisition of infection in the previous six month.

UKAS number

8197

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.