Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibody Screening by Serological Test
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 possible infection early."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22356-0
- Short code
- HIV1 Ab Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HIV1 Ab Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 recommend this test if you have risk factors for HIV, such as unprotected sex, shared needles, or other behaviors that increase exposure. It’s also part of routine testing for certain groups (e.g., pregnant individuals, people with sexually transmitted infections).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch or discomfort. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, insert a small needle into your vein, and collect a blood sample into a tube. The blood is then sent to a lab for testing. The test itself is quick and typically completed within minutes.
What the Results Mean
Results are usually available within 24–48 hours. A positive result means antibodies to HIV were detected, suggesting possible infection. A negative result means no antibodies were found in this test, but HIV could still be present early in infection. Follow-up testing may be needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HIV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
HIV antibody screening is critical for early detection, allowing for timely medical intervention, treatment, and support. Early diagnosis improves health outcomes and helps prevent HIV progression to AIDS. False negatives can occur in the first few weeks of infection, so repeat testing may be advised if symptoms or risk factors persist.
Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours after the blood sample is processed. However, some labs may provide results sooner, depending on their workflow. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results once they are ready.
A positive result indicates that antibodies to HIV were detected in your blood. This suggests you may have been infected with the virus, but it doesn’t confirm the diagnosis alone. Your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests (like a confirmatory HIV antibody test or viral load test) to confirm infection and guide next steps.
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