HIV-1 Antibody Test

Daily, Mon - Fri.: HIV-1 EIA screen

Weekly, Tues./Fri.: Western Blot

As necessary.: HIV-1 IFA - only on specimens where the EIA and Western Blot test results are not in agreement.

Procedure for Submitting Samples for the HIV-1 Antibody Test

The specimen will be accepted for testing only if it is from an individual who has consented to be tested after receiving pretest counseling from the provider as to the implications and limitations of the test.


1. If consent is given by the patient, fill out the request form as completely as possible and be sure that the person who provided the counseling has signed in the designated area. Testing cannot be performed without this signature.

2. After completing the form, remove the white copy with the patient's name and retain it in your file. Local health departments should also keep the white post-test counseling form.

3. Submit the remaining pink copy of the request form with the specimen. The submitted request form and the tube should not have the patient's name. The form and the tube should have only the HIV identification number that is pre-printed on the form and on the attached tube labels.

4. Please observe blood precautions when collecting blood or oral specimens. Draw 5-7 ml of blood in the 13 X 100 mm vacutainer tube. Please do not substitute a different size tube. For oral fluid specimens, follow the manufacturer's directions.

5. Detach the patient's HIV identification number label from the request form and attach it firmly to the fixed label already on the tube. Specimens labeled with a numerical code that differs from that preprinted on the form will not be tested.

6.If submitting a sample for other communicable disease testing in addition to the HIV screen, please use the HIV number as the identifier on form 42. OSPHL cannot perform testing for reportable communicable diseases on anonymous HIV clients.

7. For additional information on shipping, see theOSPHL Guide to Services.

HIV Reporting Policy

To ensure confidentiality for the person whose specimen is being tested, OSPHL will send the HIV test results only to the care provider whose name and address appears in the "return address" box on the form.

For questions regarding HIV testing, please call the OSPHL Virology/Immunology Section 503-693-4100.