HIV Antibody (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HIV

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0970

Laboratory Handling

Test Adds Requirement

Use the RCP Test Add function on samples less than 48 hours old; phone the Laboratory to test add if the sample was collected 3-7 days ago.

Sample Stability

7 days

Synonyms

HIV Serology, Human immunodeficiency virus test

Turnaround Time

4 hours

2 hours TAT for Blood/Body fluid accidents. Available 24 hours

Specimen Type

• Plasma
• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Plain (Red Top)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Heparin (Microtainer)

Acceptable

• Plain(Microtainer)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.4

Pre-testing Requirements

Duplicate requests received within 3 days are not tested if the first sample was non-reactive.

Additional Specimen Information

4 ml Heparin tube (green top) preferred. May use plain tube (red top).
If the screening EIA is reactive, only the red top tube can be used for additional antibody testing.

Test Method

Middlemore Hospital Laboratory currently uses a screening immunoassay (Roche Cobas) that detects both HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2. The inclusion of p24 antigen in the screening test decreases the window period between infection and seroconversion from approx 22 days to 16 days.

Limitations / Interference

False-negative results may occur if testing occurs before p24 antigen is detectable.

Additional Costing Information

For pricing inquiries, please contact us at +64 (09) 276 0167

Please contact one of the Clinical Microbiologists or the Microbiology Registrar (phone numbers available on Paanui - Phone List) if you would like to discuss further.

Contact Information

Contact Information