General

Core Lab Study

Synonym/Acronym:
HIV-1/HIV-2.

Rationale
Test blood for the presence of antibodies that would indicate an HIV infection.

This Core Lab Study remains an important strategy for identifying infected individuals so treatment can begin as soon as possible; development of effective HIV therapies demonstrates that early interventions can significantly extend the life span of infected individuals. Awareness of HIV status also helps protect others from becoming infected.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Normal Findings
(Method: Chemiluminescent immunoassay) Negative (indicating absence of HIV).

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
Specific infectious organisms are required to be reported to local, state, and national departments of health. Lists of specific organisms may vary among facilities. State health departments provide information regarding reportable diseases, which can be accessed at each state health department website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information regarding national notifiable diseases at https://ndc .services.cdc.gov/search-results-year/.