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HIV-1 Antibody and p24 Antigen Screening and Confirmatory Test (Serum/Plasma)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test detects antibodies and a viral protein to screen for HIV-1 infection, helping identify exposure to the virus.

Quick summary

["Early detection of HIV can lead to timely treatment and better health outcomes."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
105080-6
Short code
HIV 1+2 Ab+HIV1 p24 Ag SerPl Ql
Synonyms
HIV 1+2 Ab+HIV1 p24 Ag SerPl Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
86701
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What This Test Measures

The test includes two key components: HIV-1 antibody detection (screening) and p24 antigen detection (confirmatory). Antibodies are proteins the immune system produces in response to the HIV virus. The p24 antigen is a protein fragment found in the virus itself. Together, these help confirm if you have been infected with HIV-1.

How the Test Works

The screening phase looks for HIV antibodies in your serum or plasma. If positive, the confirmatory phase checks for the p24 antigen, which may appear earlier in infection than antibodies. This two-step process improves accuracy by reducing false positives.

Why It Matters

Early diagnosis is critical because HIV can be managed effectively with modern treatments. Detecting the virus promptly allows for immediate medical intervention, which can slow disease progression and improve long-term health.

When You Might Need This Test

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors for HIV (e.g., unprotected sex, shared needles, or exposure to infected blood), have symptoms of infection, or are part of a group at higher risk. It’s also used during routine check-ups for certain high-risk individuals.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

HIV Screening Panel

Frequently asked questions

When should I expect results back?
Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab. Follow up with your healthcare provider for a detailed explanation of your results.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means the test detected HIV antibodies or the p24 antigen, indicating a high likelihood of HIV infection. You will need further medical evaluation, including follow-up testing and counseling to discuss next steps.
Can I get this test at home?
No, this test is performed in a clinical laboratory using a blood sample drawn by a healthcare professional. Home testing kits for HIV antibodies exist but are not the same as this confirmatory panel.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy