HIV Antibody Test (Screen and Confirmation) – Serum/Plasma
This test detects antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which your body produces in response to the virus. It helps determine if you have been exposed to HIV.
["This test screens and confirms HIV infection to protect your health and prevent spread."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75622-1
- Short code
- HIV 1 and 2 - MU Set
- Synonyms
- HIV 1 and 2 - MU Set
- 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
This test gives your care team important information about how your body is working. The results help your doctor identify potential problems early, guide treatment decisions, and monitor changes in your health over time.
HIV is a virus that weakens your immune system over time. Early detection is critical because treatment can help manage the virus and improve your health. This test is part of routine screening for people at higher risk of infection, as well as part of regular check-ups for those already diagnosed with HIV.
During the test, a small sample is collected from your body and analyzed in a laboratory using specialized equipment. Trained professionals examine the sample and measure specific markers, and the findings are compiled into a report your healthcare provider will review with you.
The test uses a blood sample (either serum or plasma) to check for HIV antibodies. The process includes two main steps: a screening test to identify possible exposure and a confirmation test to confirm the presence of HIV antibodies. Results are not always immediate and may require follow-up.
Before your test, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to follow. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period, pause certain medications, or wear comfortable clothing. Arrive a few minutes early, bring your identification and insurance information, and ask any questions you have.
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. Some people feel slight discomfort, but it usually goes away quickly. If you’re pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, or take blood thinners, let your healthcare provider know before the test.
After the test is complete, you can usually return to your normal daily activities right away unless your provider tells you otherwise. Your sample will be sent for analysis, and results are typically available within a few days. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss the findings and what they mean for your care.
After the blood is drawn, you may experience mild bruising, swelling, or soreness at the injection site. Apply gentle pressure to the area for a few minutes to help stop any bleeding. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a short time. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection (like fever or redness), contact your healthcare provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
HIV Antibody Screening & Confirmation
Frequently asked questions
Early detection of HIV allows for timely treatment and management. If you test positive, your healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan to control the virus, reduce complications, and improve your quality of life. If you test negative but have risk factors, ongoing monitoring and preventive measures may be recommended.
A positive result means your blood contains antibodies to HIV, indicating you have been infected. This does not mean you have active HIV disease yet, but it means you should start treatment and follow-up care immediately to manage the virus. Your healthcare provider will guide you on next steps, including retesting and accessing support services.
A negative result means your blood did not contain detectable HIV antibodies at the time of testing. However, HIV can sometimes take weeks or months to develop antibodies after infection. If you have risk factors for HIV, your healthcare provider may recommend retesting or additional testing methods, such as viral load testing, to check for the virus directly.
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