Ordering Guidance

If the specimen is obtained from either autopsy or cadaver blood sources, order HV1CD / HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antibodies for Cadaveric or Hemolyzed Specimens, Serum which is the US Food and Drug Administration-approved assay for these specimen types.

This test should not be used to test symptomatic individuals (ie, diagnostic purposes). For testing such patients, order HIVDS / HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antigen and Antibody Diagnostic Evaluation, Serum.

This test should not be used to test pregnant individuals. For testing such patients, order HVPRS / HIV Antigen and Antibody Prenatal Routine Screen, Serum.

Screening, supplemental or confirmatory serologic tests for HIV-1 or HIV-2 antibodies cannot distinguish between active neonatal HIV infection and passive transfer of maternal HIV antibodies in children up to 2 years. Diagnosis of HIV infection in newborns and children up to 2 years should be made by virologic tests, such as detection of HIV RNA (HIS12 / HIV-1/HIV-2 RNA Detection, Serum).

New York State clients: This test should not be requested for maternal/newborn HIV screening on specimens originating in New York State, due to state regulatory requirements for expedited result reporting.

Specimen Required

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).

2. Aliquot serum into a plastic vial.