Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Antibody, Qualitative Serum/Plasma
This test detects antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) in your blood or plasma. It helps determine if you have been exposed to HIV, even if you don’t yet have symptoms.
["This test checks for HIV antibodies to help prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24293-3
- Short code
- HPIV1 Ab sp1 Titr Ser
- Synonyms
- HPIV1 Ab sp1 Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
The test looks for antibodies produced by your immune system in response to HIV-1. Antibodies are proteins that your body makes to fight infections. If HIV-1 is present in your blood, your immune system may produce antibodies against it. This test does not measure the virus itself but indicates whether your body has detected HIV-1 exposure.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. This is usually done by a healthcare professional in a clinic or lab setting. The blood is then processed to separate the serum or plasma for testing.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors for HIV, such as unprotected sexual contact, shared needles, or other behaviors that increase exposure risk. It may also be part of routine testing for certain groups (e.g., pregnant individuals, people with sexually transmitted infections).
What Are the Possible Results?
The result is either positive (indicating possible HIV-1 exposure) or negative (no detectable antibodies). A positive result means further testing is usually needed to confirm HIV infection. A negative result means no antibodies were found at this time, but HIV could still be present if exposure was recent.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Why Does This Matter?
Short name
HIV-1 Antibody Test (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
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