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HIV 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 infection. It helps determine if you 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
43599-0
Short code
HIV1 Ab Ser IF-aCnc
Synonyms
HIV1 Ab Ser IF-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
if
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 antibodies in your blood or plasma. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to fight infection. If you’ve been exposed to HIV, your body may produce these antibodies within weeks to months after exposure.

Why Is This Test Important?

Early detection of HIV is crucial for managing the infection and preventing complications. This screening test helps identify potential exposure so you can seek medical care promptly.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually by a healthcare professional. The blood is then sent to a lab for testing. Results are typically available within a few days.

What Are Common Results?

A negative result means no detectable HIV antibodies were found in your sample. A positive result requires confirmation with another test to ensure accuracy. False positives can rarely occur, so follow-up testing is standard.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

HIV Antibody Screen

Frequently asked questions

How soon after exposure can this test detect HIV antibodies?
HIV antibodies may take weeks to months to develop after exposure. Some people may test negative early after exposure but still be infected. If you’ve had a high-risk exposure, follow-up testing may be recommended at specific intervals.
What if my test result is positive?
A positive result means you may have HIV. You’ll need a confirmatory test, such as a Western blot or an HIV-1 nucleic acid test, to confirm the diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will guide you on next steps, including treatment options and counseling.
Can false positives happen with this test?
Yes, rare false positives can occur due to cross-reactions with other infections or medications. If your initial test is positive, follow-up testing is required to rule out errors.
  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