HIV Antibody Screening and Confirmatory Test for gp120 and gp160 Proteins (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to specific HIV proteins (gp120 and gp160) in your blood. It helps screen for HIV infection by identifying your immune system’s response to the virus.
["This test helps determine if you’ve been exposed to HIV and may be needed for initial screening or confirmation of infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40439-2
- Short code
- HIV1 gp120+gp160 Ab SerPl Ql IA
- Synonyms
- HIV1 gp120+gp160 Ab SerPl Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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 order this test if you have symptoms suggestive of HIV (e.g., fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes), have risk factors for HIV (e.g., unprotected sex, shared needles), or as part of routine screening in certain settings. It may also be used to confirm a positive initial screening result.
How the Test Works
The test uses a blood sample (serum or plasma) to detect antibodies against HIV’s gp120 and gp160 proteins. These proteins are part of the virus’s outer structure. If your body has fought off an infection, your immune system produces antibodies against these proteins, which the test can detect.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum or plasma, which is then tested for antibodies using a sensitive immunoassay method (likely chemiluminescent immunoassay or similar).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may eat or drink as usual, but inform your provider if you’re on blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder, as this may affect blood collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies to HIV gp120/gp160, suggesting past or current infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies at the time of testing. This test is not used to diagnose acute HIV infection (early stages) but is critical for screening and confirming infection. Always consult your provider for interpretation, as results may vary based on timing since exposure and other factors.
Short name
HIV Antibody Test (gp120/gp160)
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive or Negative Result Mean?
Can This Test Detect HIV Early (Within Days or Weeks)?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
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