HIV-1 Antibody Screening Test (Qualitative)
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
- 35447-2
- Short code
- HIV1 p31 Ab Sal Ql IB
- Synonyms
- HIV1 p31 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 Does This Test Measure?
The test measures the presence of HIV-1 antibodies in your blood or plasma. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to fight an infection. If your body has been exposed to HIV, these antibodies may be present.
A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. This is usually done in a doctor’s office or clinic.
Blood is collected in a special tube and sent to a lab for testing. The test is qualitative, meaning it only tells whether antibodies are present or not.
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have risk factors for HIV, such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, or having multiple sexual partners. It may also be recommended during routine check-ups for high-risk individuals.
This test is not meant to diagnose HIV immediately. A positive result requires further testing, such as a confirmatory HIV antibody test, to confirm infection.
What Are the Next Steps If My Test Result Is Positive?
If your screening test is positive, your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests to confirm HIV infection. These may include a confirmatory antibody test or a viral load test to check for the presence of the virus itself.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Early detection of HIV is crucial. While the screening test does not diagnose HIV, a positive result prompts further evaluation. Early treatment can help manage the virus and improve long-term health outcomes. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider for additional testing and guidance.
Short name
HIV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How soon after exposure can I get tested?
Can I still have sex or share needles if my screening test is positive?
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