Pathology | Eastern Health

Test & Collection Guide

Pathology staff view

HIV Serology

Ordering information:

It is a legal requirement that patient consent is sought and the patient is counselled before and after the test result is known

Note : HIV Serology screening results may be compromised (falsely negative) in the instance where the patient is receiving very high doses of Biotin (>5mg daily). If clinical suspicion of HIV remains high, Biotin therapy will need to be ceased for 72 hours prior to re-testing. Alternatively, please contact the laboratory to discuss supplementary testing processes.

Alternate names:

AIDS, AIDS antibody, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Laboratory:

Biochemistry

Test Code:

HIVCO

Specimen types:

Blood

Container types:

Serum tube with gel

Collection Instructions:

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab

Minimum Adult Volume:

1 mL

Notes:

HIV Combo test - detects antibodies to HIV 1 &/or HIV 2 and p24 antigen

Repeat reactive specimens are referred to VIDRL for confirmation by Western Blot - performed twice weekly

Routine screening test - HIV Combo - detects antibodies to HIV-1 &/or HIV-2 and p24 antigen

Frequency:

Daily

Result Turnaround Time:

5 hours

Laboratory Use Only

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions

Feedback

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