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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 produces in response to infection. It helps determine if you have been exposed to HIV, even if you don’t yet have symptoms.

Quick summary

["This screening identifies potential HIV exposure for further evaluation."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
22358-6
Short code
HIV 2 Ab Ser-aCnc
Synonyms
HIV 2 Ab Ser-aCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 blood or plasma. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to fight infections. If you’ve been exposed to HIV, your body will produce these antibodies over time, which the test can detect.

How the Test Works

Your blood sample is tested using an immunoassay method to identify the presence of HIV antibodies. This process is quick and typically done in a lab setting.

Why It Matters

Early detection of HIV is crucial for managing the infection and preventing complications. This test is often the first step in diagnosing HIV, especially if you’ve had risk factors for exposure.

Common Uses

This test is commonly used as part of routine health check-ups, especially for individuals at higher risk of HIV, such as those with multiple sexual partners, intravenous drug users, or those with unprotected sex.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

HIV Antibody Screen

Frequently asked questions

When might I need this test?
You may need this test if you have risk factors for HIV, such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, or living in an area with higher HIV prevalence. Your healthcare provider may also recommend it as part of regular check-ups or during pregnancy.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means your blood test detected HIV antibodies, which suggests you may have been infected. Further testing, such as a confirmatory HIV viral load test, will be needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide next steps.
What if my test is negative?
A negative result means your blood test did not detect HIV antibodies at this time. However, HIV can take weeks or months to develop antibodies after exposure. If you have risk factors, retesting in a few months may be recommended.
  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