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