HIV test
Microbiology
Notes
- The current test detects both HIV 1 and 2 antigen and antibodies
- It may take up to 3 months for sero-conversion to occur
- All positive samples are referred for confirmation
- Positive samples will require a second blood sample to be taken for additional confirmation
- In the case of sharps/exposure incidents, same day testing of the source patient's blood is available. Please telephone the laboratory
- Same day HIV testing in other circumstances is available
- For viral load testing, see HIV Viral Loads
Sample requirements
Serum - paired samples not required
8.5ml of blood taken into a plain gel tube
Required information
- Relevant clinical details
- Date of possible infection
Storage/transport
Store at fridge temperature
Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature
Turnaround time
Negatives: up to 5 days
Positive samples referred to a Regional Reference Centre
Positive results will be reported after all tests are completed and confirmed on both the initial and confirmatory sample