HIV Confirmatory Test (Qualitative Antibody)
This test helps confirm whether you have antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can indicate past or current infection. It follows a screening test to provide a definitive result.
["This test ensures accurate HIV diagnosis after initial screening results are positive."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45251-6
- Short code
- HIVCONFIRMATIONFACILITY
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- reported
- 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 detects HIV-specific antibodies in your blood or plasma. These antibodies develop after your body has been exposed to HIV, typically within weeks to months after infection. This test is not used to diagnose acute HIV infection (early infection) but is critical for confirming chronic infection when antibodies are present.
How the Test Works
Your blood or plasma sample is analyzed using an immunoassay method to identify HIV antibodies. The result is qualitative, meaning it only indicates whether antibodies are present (positive) or not (negative). No quantitative values are provided for antibody levels.
Preparation and Sample Collection
No special preparation is needed. A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. This test can be performed at a facility where HIV testing is available, such as a clinic, hospital, or specialized lab.
When This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if your initial HIV screening result was positive or if you have symptoms or risk factors that raise concern for HIV infection. It is also used in follow-up testing for people who are HIV-positive to monitor treatment response or detect new infections.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result means you have antibodies to HIV, confirming a past or current infection. This result should be interpreted in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and other test results. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, suggesting you are not infected with HIV. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation and next steps.
Short name
HIV Antibody Confirmation
Frequently asked questions
Why might I need this test?
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test detect acute HIV infection?
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