Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibody Screening, Serum
This test checks for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which may indicate past or current infection. Antibodies are proteins the body produces in response to infection.
["HIV antibody screening helps detect possible infection with HIV, an important step toward managing your health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110736-6
- Short code
- Hu IgG Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- Hu IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors for HIV, such as unprotected sexual contact, shared needles, or exposure to infected blood. It’s also part of routine testing for certain groups (e.g., pregnant individuals, people with sexually transmitted infections).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood draw from a vein in your arm. Tell your provider if you’re on blood-thinning medications or have a history of bleeding issues.
What the Test Results Mean
A positive result means antibodies to HIV were found, suggesting past or current infection. A negative result means no antibodies were detected in this sample. Follow-up testing may be needed to confirm results.
Next Steps After Testing
If results are positive, your provider will guide you on next steps, which may include HIV testing confirmation, treatment options, and support services. If negative, discuss continued precautions if at risk.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HIV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
Early detection of HIV is crucial for managing the virus, preventing complications, and improving long-term health outcomes. This screening helps identify infections before symptoms appear, allowing for timely medical care.
If you have a positive screening result, your provider will perform additional tests to confirm HIV infection and assess your health status.
No, this test does not diagnose HIV directly. It detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus, which may take weeks to develop after exposure.
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