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Test Code HIV HIV 1/2 Antigen-Antibody Screen, Serum/Plasma

Important Note

The performance of this assay has not been established for individuals younger than 2 years of age. Nearly all infants born to HIV-infected mothers passively acquire maternal antibody and, in some cases, will test antibody positive until age 18 months regardless of whether they are infected. Definitive diagnosis of HIV infection in early infancy requires other assays, including HIV nucleic acid tests or viral culture.

Testing must be pre-approved by the Pathologist on-call or designee.

 

Performing Laboratory

CCHS-Christiana Care Health Services

Methodology

Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:  Preferred: 4.5 mL Lithium Heparin (Mint Green top PST Gel) tube

Acceptable: 5.0 mL SST (Gold top) tube or 6.0 mL Serum (Red top) tube

Specimen:  Full tube

Collection Instructions:

Note:  1. Label tube with patient’s full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, date and time of draw, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.

         

Reference Values

Non-reactive

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Routine Turnaround Time:  72 hours (An additional 12 to 24 hours are needed for positive results.)

STAT Turnaround Time:  not available