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HIV combo antibody/antigen enzyme immunoassay (EIA)

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$34 | CPT Code: 86592 | Serology Lab

Methodology

  • Samples are tested with a two-step enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the qualitative detection of HIV-1 p24 antigen and antibodies against HIV-1 and HIV-2. Repeatedly positive samples then move to an antibody differentiation test (HIV differentiation) to confirm the initial EIA result.

Acceptable specimen(s)

  • A minimum of 1 mL of serum or plasma or whole blood. Blood sample collected in a red top, tiger top, or other serum separator tube. Lavender tops (contains EDTA) and green tops (contains lithium heparin) are also acceptable for HIV testing. Do not collect blood in tubes that contain anticoagulants.
  • To avoid hemolysis, centrifuge blood within 72 hours of collection, no matter the storage temperature.

Specimen labeling

A minimum of two of the following are required on the specimen label:

  • Patient first and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Medical record number (MRN) or patient identification (ID)

The following information is optional, but highly preferred:

  • Collection date
  • The chain of custody number, if ordered through LabOnline

 The lab will not process samples without appropriate identifiers on the label. Be sure the information on the label matches what is listed on the test order.

Specimen stability

  • Whole blood
    Room temperature: ≤ 48 hours
  • Serum or plasma from the clot
    Room temperature: 72 hours
    Refrigerated (2-8°C): Seven (7) days
    Frozen (≤ -20°C): Six (6) months

Turnaround time

  • Five (5) business days.
  • Results will be available in LabOnline. 

Rejection criteria

  • Incomplete or missing test order, incomplete specimen labeling, specimen collected expired collection tubes, hemolysis, lipemia, received out of hold time, received out of temperature.

Ordering in LabOnline

  • Profile: STI, Serology
  • Testing type: HIV Combo Antibody/Antigen EIA
  • Matrix: Blood, plasma

Supplemental information

  • If this sample is related to a court case, include the contact information for the person who requested testing and for the person who collected the same. The lab may need to contact you if any issues arise.
  • The HIV differentiation test is performed only after a positive HIV combo test result. HIV differentiation test is for confirmatory testing only.

Contact information