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HIV-1 Antibody Screening Test (Serum/Plasma)

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

This test detects antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which your body produces in response to the virus. It helps determine if you may have been exposed to HIV.

Quick summary

["This screening test is the first step in checking for HIV infection."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
35437-3
Short code
HIV1 Ab Sal Ql IA
Synonyms
HIV1 Ab Sal 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 Does This Test Measure?

The test looks for HIV-1 antibodies in your blood or plasma. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to fight infections. If your body has been exposed to HIV, it may produce these antibodies, which can be detected in a blood sample.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors for HIV, such as unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or other behaviors that increase exposure risk. It’s also part of routine testing for certain groups or situations.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is tested for HIV antibodies using an immunoassay method, which identifies the presence of these proteins.

What Are the Next Steps?

If the test is positive, further testing (like a confirmatory HIV antibody test) will be done to confirm the result. If the initial test is negative but you have risk factors, you may need to retest after a few weeks.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

HIV Antibody Screen

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means your blood test detected HIV antibodies, which suggests you may have been infected with HIV. This does not confirm the diagnosis immediately—further testing is needed to confirm.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result means your blood test did not detect HIV antibodies at this time. However, HIV can take weeks or months to produce detectable antibodies. If you have risk factors, you may need to retest later.
How soon after exposure should I get tested?
Ideally, wait at least 3–6 weeks after potential exposure before testing for antibodies. If you suspect recent exposure, ask your healthcare provider about immediate testing options, such as antigen/antibody tests.
  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