Pathology | Eastern Health

Test & Collection Guide

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

Storage Instructions:

For Angliss only: Occupational exposure samples must be taxied to the MH laboratory urgently. AH laboratory staff must call the MH lab to notify them once the taxi has departed.