HIV Antibodies, HIV-1/-2, EIA, with Reflexes

CPT Code(s)

86703

For New York patient testing, use test code 17659X

Includes

If the HIV-1/HIV-2 EIA Antibody Screen is reactive, HIV-1 Antibody Western Blot will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86689).

If the HIV-1 Antibody, Western Blot is negative or indeterminate, HIV-2 Antibody EIA will be performed at additional charge (CPT code(s): 86702).

If the HIV-2 Antibody EIA is reactive, HIV-2 Antibody Western Blot will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86689).



This reflexing algorithm is consistent with CDC/FDA recommendations.



The HIV-1/2 EIA Antibody Screen includes testing for HIV-1 Group O.

Preferred Specimen(s)

2 mL serum

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Alternative Specimen(s)

Plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top), EDTA (royal blue-top), sodium heparin (green-top), lithium heparin (green-top), 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) or ACD solution B (yellow-top) tube

Collection Instructions

To protect patient confidentiality, we recommend identifying specimens by using a code number in place of patients name on the specimen vial and the test request form. Tube must be labeled with patient identifier and submitted only for HIV testing. HIV-1 Western Blot requires the original tube for testing.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days

Refrigerated: 14 days

Frozen: 30 days

Methodology

Immunoassay

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92690-6130

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 2-5 days

Limitations

HIV antibodies may not be detected in window between infection and detection of antibody.

Reference Range(s)

HIV-1/2 Ab Screen, EIA

Non-Reactive

A Nonreactive HIV-1/2 antibody result does not exclude HIV infection since the time frame for seroconversion is variable. If acute HIV infection is suspected, antibody retesting and nucleic acid amplification (HIV DNA/RNA) testing is recommended

Clinical Significance

The combination HIV-1/HIV-2 includes detection of subtypes of HIV-1 not included in HIV-1, EIA alone. Repeatedly positive results are confirmed by the highly specific western blot.