HIV + and HIV negative women underwent lower and upper genital tract sampling.

Endometrial biopsy (EMB) specimens were collected via a 3 mm diameter plastic pipelle that was inserted into the uterus following EML. A sample of tissue was obtained by retracting the pipelle's plunger leading to negative suction and rotating the cannula for approximately 15 seconds.

Endometrial lavage (EML) and biopsy (EMB) samples were compared to cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) and fluid (CVF) samples from HIV-negative healthy women (N=x) and HIV-infected women (n=x) taking ART with plasma HIV RNA <40 copies/mL. All participants were in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Immunologic study was completed using Luminex and flow cytometry. Concentrations of tenofovir (TFV), emtricitabine (FTC) and their active intracellular metabolites (TFVdp and FTCtp) were measured using LC-MS/MS in 11 HIV-infected women. HIV RNA was measured in plasma, EML and CVL using the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 assay (lower limit of detection 40 copies/mL).