Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibody Screening Test (Serum/Plasma)

Why This Test Is Done

A small blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to a lab. The serum or plasma is tested for HIV antibodies using an immunoassay method, which detects the presence of these antibodies that your immune system produces after exposure to HIV.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have some mild discomfort from the needle, but it usually goes away quickly. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a bleeding disorder, let your provider know before the test.

What to Expect After the Test

You can return to your normal activities right after the test. There’s usually no downtime, but watch for signs of bruising or swelling at the injection site. If you experience excessive bleeding or pain, contact your provider.

Interpreting Your Results

This test is a screening tool. A positive result means your blood contains HIV antibodies, suggesting past or current infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, but HIV could still be present in very early stages. Further testing (like a confirmatory HIV antibody test or viral load test) is needed for a definitive diagnosis.