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.

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 of age. Diagnosis of HIV infection in newborns and children up to 2 years of age should be made by virologic tests, such as detection of HIV RNA (HIP12 / HIV-1/HIV-2 RNA Detection, Plasma).

New York State clients: This test should not be requested for maternal or 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: Lavender top (EDTA)

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 plasma into a plastic vial.