HIV Antibody Screening and Confirmation (Qualitative) – Serum/Plasma
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.
["HIV antibody testing is critical for early detection and managing potential infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10901-7
- Short code
- HIV2 gp125 Ab Ser Ql IB
- Synonyms
- HIV2 gp125 Ab Ser 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
This test is done to find out whether HIV, the virus that weakens the immune system, is present in your body. Detecting HIV early lets you start treatment sooner, protect your long-term health, and greatly reduce the chance of passing the virus to others.
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors for HIV, such as unprotected sex, shared needles, or exposure to infected blood. It’s also part of routine testing for certain groups (e.g., sexually active adults, pregnant individuals, or those with sexually transmitted infections).
The test examines a small sample of your blood for signs of HIV, such as antibodies your immune system makes in response to the virus or proteins from the virus itself. These markers usually become detectable within a few weeks after exposure, which makes the test a reliable way to identify infection.
The test uses a blood sample (serum or plasma) to check for HIV antibodies. The process involves immunoassay methods (likely fluorescence or chemiluminescence) to identify antibodies against HIV proteins, such as gp120 or p24.
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment, and fasting is not required. Bring a list of any medicines or supplements you take, and tell the staff if you believe you were recently exposed to HIV so the best type of test can be chosen.
No special preparation is needed, but avoid alcohol or medications that may affect blood tests for 24 hours before your visit. Wear comfortable clothing for blood draws.
A healthcare professional will clean the skin on your arm, apply a band around your upper arm if needed, and draw a small amount of blood from a vein. The blood draw usually takes only a few minutes, most people feel only a brief pinch, and you can return to your normal activities right away.
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually takes only a few minutes. The sample is then processed and analyzed in a lab.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
HIV Antibody Test (Screen & Confirm)
Frequently asked questions
Positive results indicate the presence of HIV antibodies, suggesting past or current infection. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies at the time of testing, but HIV could still be present if infection occurred recently. Follow-up testing may be needed for confirmation.
A positive result means your blood contains antibodies to HIV, which could mean you have been infected. This does not confirm active disease immediately—further testing (like viral load or PCR) may be needed to assess infection status.
No, HIV cannot be transmitted through routine blood tests. The test only detects antibodies; the virus itself is not present in the sample.
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