HIV-1 gp120 Antibody Screening by Immunoassay (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to the gp120 protein of HIV-1, a key part of the virus’s outer layer. It helps screen for past or current HIV infection by measuring the body’s immune response.
["This screening test helps determine if your immune system has recognized HIV-1, even if you’re not yet showing symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9661-0
- Short code
- HIV1 gp120 Ab Ser Ql IB
- Synonyms
- HIV1 gp120 Ab Ser 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 Does This Test Measure?
The test looks for antibodies produced by your immune system in response to the gp120 protein of HIV-1. These antibodies are part of your body’s defense against the virus. If present, they suggest exposure to HIV-1, though they may take weeks to months to develop after infection.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have risk factors for HIV (e.g., unprotected sex, shared needles, or recent travel to areas with higher HIV rates) or if you’re part of a screening program. It’s also used during pregnancy, before organ transplants, or as part of routine health checks in high-risk groups.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before drawing blood if instructed. Bring your medical records or recent test results if requested. Wear comfortable clothing for the blood draw.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw a blood sample. You may feel a brief pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily a screening tool. A positive result means further testing (like a confirmatory HIV antibody test) is needed to confirm HIV infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies to HIV-1 gp120 were found at this time, but HIV could still be present if you’ve been infected recently.
Short name
HIV gp120 Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
Can this test detect HIV if I’ve been infected recently?
What if my test result is positive?
Does this test show how much HIV is in my body?
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