HIV antibody differentiation assay

TEST DESCRIPTION

Immunochromatographic assay for the confirmation and differentiation of antibodies against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) in whole blood, serum, or plasma.

Methodology

Immunochromatographic assay

Reference range

HIV antibody negative

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed twice weekly. Results are typically available within three business days after specimen receipt.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Serum: Collect ≥2 ml of venous blood in a serum separator tube (SST). 
• Plasma: Collect ≥2 ml of venous blood in an EDTA (lavender-top), lithium heparin (green-top), or citrate (light blue-top) tube. 
• Note: Centrifugation should be performed 30 minutes to 2 hours after collection.

SPECIMEN STORAGE

Spun (centrifuged) serum or plasma: store at room temperature (18–30°C/64–86°F) for up to 2 days or  refrigerated (2–8 °C/36–46 °F) for up to 7 days.

Unspun (not centrifuged) serum or plasma: store at room temperature (15–25°C/59–77°F) for up to 2 hours.

SPECIMEN TRANSPORT

Shipping conditions should follow the temperature and time requirements outlined above. Refrigerated specimens should be transported on wet ice.

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Spun tubes: holding time greater than 2 days at room temperature or 7 days refrigerated
• Non-spun tubes: holding time greater than 2 hours at room temperature
• Specimen container not labeled
• Specimen container not sealed properly
• Grossly contaminated, hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric specimens should not be used

CODES

CPT: 86703
LOINC: 80203-3
Test code: 5700

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.