Important Note

*This test is orderable in Cerner as HIV Ab 1/2 & p24 Ag

For the qualitative determination of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV Type 1 (HIV-1 group M and group O) and/or Type 2 in serum.

Specimens that are considered initially reactive for antibodies to HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 will be retested in duplicate. If one or both of the duplicates are reactive, the specimen is considered repeatedly reactive and will be sent out for confirmatory testing.

An individual who has antibodies to HIV is presumed to be infected with the virus; however, an individual who has participated in an HIV vaccine study may develop antibodies to the vaccine and may or may not be infected with HIV. Clinical correlation is indicated with appropriate counseling, medical evaluation, and possibly additional testing to decide whether a diagnosis of HIV infection is accurate.

Specimens that are initially reactive are considered negative for HIV-1/HIV-2 antibodies if both of the duplicates retest as nonreactive.