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HIV Antibody Screening Test (Serum/Plasma)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test detects antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which your body makes in response to infection. It helps determine if you’ve been exposed to HIV.

Quick summary

["This screening helps identify potential HIV infection early for further evaluation."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
51786-2
Short code
HIV 2 Ab s/co SerPl IA
Synonyms
HIV 2 Ab s/co SerPl 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

What This Test Measures

The test looks for HIV antibodies in your serum or plasma. These antibodies develop after your body encounters HIV, usually within weeks to months after exposure. The presence of antibodies suggests past or current infection, though they may not appear immediately after exposure.

How the Test Works

Your blood sample is analyzed using an immunoassay method to detect specific antibodies against HIV proteins. This process identifies whether your immune system has produced these markers in response to infection.

Why It’s Done

HIV antibody screening is commonly performed as part of routine health checks, especially for high-risk groups (e.g., sexually active individuals, those with multiple sexual partners, or those with known exposure). It may also be recommended during pregnancy, before organ transplants, or as part of regular medical evaluations.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to collect blood. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know—they can offer comfort measures.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

HIV Antibody Screen

Frequently asked questions

Can this test detect HIV immediately after exposure?
No, antibodies typically take weeks to months to develop after exposure. Early infections may yield false negatives, so follow-up testing is often recommended.
What if my test result is positive?
A positive result means your healthcare provider will order additional tests (like HIV viral load or PCR) to confirm infection. They’ll guide you on next steps, including treatment options and support services.
Does this test differentiate between HIV-1 and HIV-2?
This test primarily screens for HIV antibodies broadly (including HIV-1 and HIV-2). Confirmatory testing may be needed for further subtype differentiation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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