HIV antigen/antibody
Description:
Qualitative fourth generation chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) screening test for the detection of antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 and HIV-1 p24 antigen in serum. Samples with reactive or equivocal results will be confirmed using two further assays. If indicated, samples may be sent to PHE Colindale reference laboratory. This assay is available as a screening test Mon to Sun. For URGENT or out of hours testing contact on-call Infection StR via hospital switchboard.
Clinical details:
The Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) 1 and 2, are the causative agents of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS.) HIV is transmitted by sexual contact, exposure to infected blood or blood products or by an infected women to her child during pregnancy, at delivery or postnatally via breast feeding. Primary infection can present as an influenza-like illness/glandular fever-like illness in individuals at risk of HIV.
Please ensure patient consent is obtained prior to the sample being sent to the laboratory
Please ensure patient consent is obtained prior to the sample being sent to the laboratory
Reference range:
Not Applicable
Synonyms or keywords:
HIV-1, HIV-2, AIDS
Units:
Qualitative test - Detected/Not Detected
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
Call in advance:
Only in urgent cases
Turnaround time:
4 working days
Storage and transport:
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730
Laboratory:
Last updated: 06/10/2023
