HIV-1 Antibody Screening by Immunoassay (Serum/Plasma)
This test checks for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which your body makes in response to the virus. Antibodies can appear in your blood after infection, often within weeks to months.
["Detects early HIV infection through antibody presence in blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106883-2
- Short code
- HIV1+2 T. pallidum Ab SPB IA
- Synonyms
- HIV1+2 T. pallidum Ab SPB 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-rapid
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have risk factors for HIV, such as unprotected sex, shared needles, or exposure to HIV. It’s also part of routine testing for certain groups (e.g., pregnant women, people with sexually transmitted infections).
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to a lab. The test uses an immunoassay method to detect HIV antibodies in your serum or plasma. This method is highly sensitive and helps identify potential infection early.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a slight bruise or discomfort at the injection site, but this usually fades quickly. Avoid alcohol before the test, as it may affect blood clotting.
What to Expect After the Test
You can return to your normal activities immediately. If you experience excessive bleeding or pain, contact your healthcare provider. Store your blood sample as instructed if you need to follow up for results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
HIV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
A positive result means your body has detected HIV antibodies, indicating possible infection. Follow-up testing (like a confirmatory assay) is needed to confirm the diagnosis. A negative result means no detectable antibodies at this time, but HIV can still be present if you were recently exposed.
If you have a positive screening result, your healthcare provider will guide you on next steps, which may include confirmatory testing or referral to an HIV specialist.
Does this test detect HIV at all stages of infection?
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