HIV-1 gp41 Antibody Screening Test (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to a specific protein (gp41) found on the surface of HIV viruses. It helps screen for past or current HIV infection by identifying the body’s immune response.
["This screening test checks for HIV antibodies that may indicate exposure to HIV."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35446-4
- Short code
- HIV1 gp41 Ab Sal Ql IB
- Synonyms
- HIV1 gp41 Ab Sal 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 antibodies produced by your immune system in response to HIV’s gp41 protein. If your body has encountered HIV, these antibodies may be present in your blood or plasma. This test is used primarily as a screening tool, not for diagnosing HIV at this stage.
How the Test Works
Your healthcare provider will take a blood sample (serum or plasma) to check for HIV antibodies. The sample is analyzed using an immunoassay method, which detects the presence of these antibodies through a chemical reaction that signals their presence.
Why It’s Done
This screening test is often part of routine health check-ups, especially for high-risk groups, or as part of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) evaluations. It helps identify potential HIV exposure early, allowing for timely medical evaluation and treatment options.
What to Expect
You’ll receive instructions from your healthcare provider about fasting or avoiding certain activities before the blood draw. The process is quick and typically done in a clinic or lab setting. You may feel slight discomfort during the needle insertion, but it usually resolves quickly.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive screening result means further diagnostic testing (such as a confirmatory HIV antibody test or viral load test) is needed to confirm HIV infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found at this time, but HIV could still be present if you’ve been exposed recently. Follow-up testing and discussions with your healthcare provider are essential to determine next steps.
Short name
HIV gp41 Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
What if my test is negative?
How soon can I get results?
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