Alberta Precision Laboratories

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Organization:

Sub-Page

Test Name/Synonym:

HIV 1 and 2 Serology (Antigen and Antibody)
(Synonym: p24 Antigen, HIV 1, HIV 2, HIV-1, HIV-2, HIV Antibody, HIVAB, HIV Antibody Antigen Serology, HIV Screen, HIV Serology)

LABID (Connect Care):

LAB473

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Adult: 5 mL GOLD SST
Pediatric: 2 mL RED
.

Test Resources:

Serology and Molecular Testing Requisition
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/frm-20676.pdf

Patient Criteria:

For patients who:

Have symptoms of infection, or
Have recent exposure to an HIV-infected person, or
Have history of high-risk behavior, or
Are pregnant, or
Whose HIV status is unknown.

Transportation:

Ship according to Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) guidelines.

Method:

Samples that screen negative can be considered negative for HIV infection unless they are < 45 days post exposure.
The window period from time of exposure to detection ranges from 18-45 days.

Samples that screen positive and are positive by the confirmation assay should be considered positive for HIV.

Routine Turn Around Time:

4 days

Testing Schedule:

Daily

Testing Area:

Virology

Performing Site:

Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Calgary and Edmonton)

Additional Test Information:

Risk Group 2
HIV is a notifiable disease in Alberta.
Samples are screened using a combination antigen-antibody assay for HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Positive screen tests are automatically confirmed using an antibody differentiation test. This test screens for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies, but does not screen for antigen.

Last Updated On:

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Date of Last Review:

Mar 24 2025 12:00AM