HIV Antibody Test (Screening) – Prior Clinic Transfer
This test checks for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which your clinic has already sent to a lab for screening. It helps confirm if you were previously tested positive or if you may have been exposed to HIV.
["This screening helps ensure continuity of care by verifying prior test results before further evaluation or treatment planning."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45253-2
- Short code
- HIV Rx prior clinic transferred from Add
- Synonyms
- HIV Rx prior clinic transferred from Add
- 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 antibodies produced by your immune system in response to HIV. These antibodies are present in your blood or plasma after your body has been exposed to the virus, typically within weeks to months. This screening is not a test for current HIV infection but rather a historical marker of exposure.
Why It Matters for Your Care
If your prior clinic found positive results, this test confirms those findings. If negative, it helps rule out past exposure before proceeding with additional testing or treatment decisions. This transfer ensures your healthcare team has accurate records for managing your health.
Sample Collection and Process
Your blood sample was collected at your prior clinic and sent to a lab for processing. The test uses a blood specimen (likely plasma or serum) to identify antibodies through an immunoassay method, which detects the presence of these proteins.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may experience mild bruising or soreness at the injection site, but this is normal. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or take blood thinners, inform your healthcare provider before testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a critical role in HIV surveillance, patient history documentation, and ensuring continuity of care. It helps healthcare providers track exposure history, manage treatment plans, and monitor long-term health outcomes for individuals who may have been previously diagnosed or exposed to HIV.
Short name
HIV Antibody Screen (Transfer)
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I currently have HIV?
What if my prior test was positive but this test is negative?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
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