HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antigen and Antibody Routine Screen, Serum
Use
This test is useful for screening for HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections in nonsymptomatic, nonpregnant individuals older than 2 years. It is not intended for blood donor screening or confirmatory testing. The test employs an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method and can detect HIV-1 p24 antigen and antibodies against HIV-1 and HIV-2, which are typically undetectable until 6 to 12 weeks following exposure and are almost always detectable by 12 months. However, antibodies may fall to undetectable levels in the terminal stage of AIDS when the patient's immune system is severely compromised.
Special Instructions
If the specimen is obtained from autopsy or cadaver blood sources, order the FDA-approved assay HV1CD / HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antibodies for Cadaveric or Hemolyzed Specimens, Serum. This test is not intended for symptomatic individuals or pregnant individuals; specific tests are suggested for these cases. New York State clients should not request this test for maternal/newborn screening due to state regulations on expedited result reporting.
Limitations
This assay is not FDA licensed for donor screening of blood, plasma, or tissues. A reactive result does not differentiate among reactivity with HIV-1 p24 antigen, HIV-1 antibody, and HIV-2 antibody and should be considered preliminary pending confirmation. False-reactive results may occur in those receiving experimental HIV-1 vaccines or having mouse monoclonal antibodies. Certain specimen conditions such as gross hemolysis, lipemia, icterus, and heat-inactivated specimens may cause rejection. The test has no biotin interference, and certain concentrations of biotin should not affect results. Performance characteristics have not been established for non-serum specimens, cadaveric specimens, or specimens with particulate matter.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 56888-1
- 56888-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |
