HIV-1 Antibody/IgG/IgM Confirmatory Test (Serum/Plasma)
This test checks for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in your blood or plasma, helping confirm if you have been exposed to HIV. It is used to diagnose HIV infection after initial screening tests.
["This test helps determine if you have HIV antibodies, supporting diagnosis or ruling out infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 41290-8
- Short code
- HIV1+2 IgM SerPl IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HIV1+2 IgM SerPl IA-aCnc
- 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
- 82784
- 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 detects antibodies produced by your immune system in response to HIV. These antibodies (specifically IgG and IgM) are markers of an immune reaction to the virus. The test uses a sensitive immunoassay method to identify these antibodies in your blood or plasma sample.
Why It’s Performed
Healthcare providers perform this test to confirm HIV infection after a positive screening result. It helps distinguish between recent and past exposures by detecting different types of antibodies (IgM for recent infection, IgG for ongoing infection).
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to separate plasma or serum, which is then tested for HIV antibodies. This process is quick and typically done in a clinical setting.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have some mild discomfort from the needle, but this usually fades quickly. If you are on blood-thinning medication, inform your provider before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result indicates the presence of HIV antibodies, confirming HIV infection. This test is critical for early diagnosis, treatment planning, and managing HIV as part of comprehensive care. False positives are rare but possible, so follow-up testing may be recommended if results are unclear.
Short name
HIV Antibody Confirmatory
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if my screening test was positive but this confirmatory test is negative?
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