HIV Antibody Screening Test (Qualitative) via Plasma/Serum
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 screening test checks for HIV antibodies to help identify potential infection early."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42600-7
- Short code
- HIV1+2 Ab Spec Ql IA
- Synonyms
- HIV1+2 Ab Spec Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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 looks for HIV antibodies in your blood or plasma. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes when it encounters HIV. If present, they indicate past or current infection.
How the Test Works
Your sample is analyzed using a qualitative immunoassay method, which detects antibodies without measuring their exact quantity. This method is sensitive enough to identify HIV antibodies even at low levels.
Why It Matters for You
Early detection is critical because HIV can be managed effectively with treatment. This test helps guide decisions about next steps, such as confirmatory testing or counseling.
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), or as part of routine screening (e.g., annual check-ups).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HIV Antibody Screen (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
If your test is positive, it means HIV antibodies are present, suggesting past or current infection. Follow-up confirmatory tests (like a Western blot or PCR) are needed to confirm diagnosis. Early treatment can slow disease progression and improve long-term health.
A positive result indicates the presence of HIV antibodies, which may mean you’ve been exposed to HIV. Your doctor will guide you on next steps, including confirmatory testing and counseling to discuss next actions.
False positives are rare but possible, especially in the early stages of infection. False negatives can occur if tested too soon after exposure. If your initial result is unclear, repeat testing or confirmatory tests may be needed.
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