HIV Antibody Screening Test (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which your body produces in response to infection. It helps determine if you may have been exposed to HIV.
["This screening test is the first step in checking for HIV infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5221-7
- Short code
- HIV1 Ab SerPl Ql IB
- Synonyms
- HIV1 Ab SerPl Ql IB
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ib
- 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 This Test Measures
The test looks for HIV antibodies in your blood or plasma. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to fight off infections. If you’ve been exposed to HIV, your body may produce these antibodies within weeks to months after exposure.
How the Test Works
Your sample is tested using an immunoassay method, which detects specific antibodies against HIV. This is typically done through a lab process that identifies the presence of these antibodies without measuring their exact quantity.
Why It’s Done
Doctors often recommend this test if you have risk factors for HIV, such as unprotected sex, shared needles, or other behaviors that increase exposure risk. It may also be part of routine testing for certain groups, like sexually active adults or those with sexually transmitted infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood draw from a vein in your arm, or a small sample of blood may be collected from your finger. If you’re using blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is used as a screening tool to identify potential HIV infection. A positive result means further testing (like a confirmatory HIV antibody test) is needed to confirm the diagnosis. A negative result means you likely do not have HIV at the time of testing, but you should still practice safe behaviors and get tested again if you have risk factors.
Short name
HIV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How soon can I get results?
Can I get false positives?
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