HIV Antibody Screening and Confirmation Test (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which your body produces in response to infection. It helps determine if you’ve been exposed to HIV.
["This test screens for HIV antibodies to identify potential infection early."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44873-8
- Short code
- HIV1+2 Ab Ser Ql IB
- Synonyms
- HIV1+2 Ab Ser Ql IB
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ib
- 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
How the Test Works
Your healthcare provider will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma, which is tested for HIV antibodies using an immunoassay method. This test is designed to detect antibodies produced by your immune system in response to HIV infection, typically appearing within weeks to months after exposure.
Test Preparation
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a mild bruise or soreness at the injection site, but this usually goes away quickly. Avoid alcohol before the test if possible, as it may affect blood clotting.
What to Expect After the Test
After the blood draw, you can return to your normal activities immediately. If you experience any unusual bleeding or pain, contact your healthcare provider. Results will be reviewed by a medical professional and shared with you based on standard clinical protocols.
When Results Are Needed
HIV antibody tests are typically performed as part of routine screening, especially for high-risk groups or during specific health check-ups. Results may take several days to a few weeks to be processed and reported, depending on lab workflows.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate the presence of HIV antibodies, suggesting recent or past infection. While antibodies are a key marker, they do not confirm active HIV virus replication. Follow-up testing, such as viral load testing, may be recommended to assess disease progression and guide treatment decisions. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies at the time of testing, but HIV could still be present if exposed recently. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation of results in the context of your medical history and risk factors.
Short name
HIV Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I get results?
What if my test is positive?
Can I get false positives?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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