Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibody Screening (Serum/Plasma)
This test checks for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which your immune system makes in response to the virus. Antibodies can appear in your blood after infection, often within weeks to months.
["Detects early HIV infection by identifying your immune system’s response to the virus."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43007-4
- Short code
- HTLV I+II Ab Titr Ser
- Synonyms
- HTLV I+II Ab 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 This Test Measures
The test looks for specific proteins (antibodies) produced by your immune system in response to HIV. These antibodies are a sign that your body has been exposed to the virus, though they may not appear immediately after infection. The test uses a blood sample drawn from your arm.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method to detect HIV antibodies. This method is highly accurate for screening and can help identify potential infection early, even before symptoms develop.
Why It’s Done
This test is commonly ordered as part of routine health checks, especially for high-risk groups (e.g., sexually active individuals, people with multiple sexual partners, or those with known exposure). It’s also used in ongoing monitoring for people living with HIV to track antibody levels over time.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HIV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
If your test is positive, further testing (like a confirmatory HIV antibody test or viral load test) will be needed to confirm HIV infection. Early detection is critical because treatment can help manage the virus and improve health outcomes. If results are negative, it means no detectable antibodies were found in this sample, but HIV could still be present if you’ve been exposed recently.
A positive result suggests your body may have been exposed to HIV, but it doesn’t confirm infection immediately. You’ll need additional testing to determine if you have HIV. If you’ve had recent exposure, your doctor may recommend follow-up tests to check for early infection.
A negative result means no detectable HIV antibodies were found in this sample. However, HIV can sometimes take weeks to months to develop antibodies after exposure. If you’ve been exposed recently, your doctor may recommend retesting in a few weeks.
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