HIV-1/2 rapid antibody test - blood plasma specimen
- LIS Mnemonic: RAHIV
Collect
Lavendar (EDTA)
Volume Required
4-7 ml
Minimum Required
4 ml
Transport
Submit whole blood at room temperature in an EDTA-anticoagulated collection tube (either a lavender top tube or a pearl top plasma preparation tube[PPT]).
Days Performed
Daily (Mon thru Su) on Day Shift; Mon thru Fri on Evening Shift
Reported
Same shift
Reflex Testing
All positive rapid HIV-1/2 test results require additional testing for confirmation. A conventional laboratory-based screening immunoassay and Western blot as well as an HIV-1 RNA qualitative test will be ordered and performed by the laboratory to confirm the initially reactive rapid test results.
CPT
86701
Methodology
Rapid Immunochromatographic Assay
Disease Information
Utility:
The Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test is ued by the laboratory to test source patients that have been involved in accidental exposures of healthcare workers to blood and body fluids and to test mothers receiving care at the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and delivering their babies in the Special Delivery Unit. Employees involved in an accidental exposure to blood or body fluids from a source patient must contact Occupational Health and get prior authorization to order the test. The test can then be ordered as part of the Occupational Health Order Set in EPIC.
Interpretation
A positive result using the Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test is presumptive and suggests the presence of HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 antibodies in the specimen. Additional testing is necessary to the confirm the result. A conventional laboratory-based screening immunoassay and Western blot as well as an HIV-1 RNA qualitative test should be ordered.
A negative result using the Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test does not preclude the possibility of exposure to HIV or infection with HIV. An antibody response to recent exposure to HIV may take weeks to months to reach detectable levels. Consider ordering the HIV antigen antibody combo screening assay and/or the HIV RNA qualitative test if acute primary HIV infection is possible.
Reference Values
Negative for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies by rapid test
Remarks
As of 15 May 2012, written informed consent for HIV testing is no longer required; documentation of verbal consent is adequate. Our hospital policies have been modified to conform with the revised Pennsylvania Act 148 (state statute that governs HIV testing) and the emphasis of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention to provide routine HIV testing of individuals 13-65 years of age. This policy change applies to CHOP affiliated inpatient and outpatient care sites in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The new HIV-related policies can be found in the online Patient Care Manual. The patient or person consenting to the test must still be notified of the intent to test and be provided with HIV-related information. Two handouts are available in the Patient-Family Education Manual to provide information about HIV and HIV testing: "Understanding HIV: Testing and Prevention" and "HIV Testing is for Everyone". A competent minor, regardless of age, is permitted under Pennsylvania state law to consent to HIV testing and/or treatment services. Parental consent is not required. Otherwise, verbal consent can be obtained only from a biologic parent, an adoptive parent, legal guardian, or by a court order. Documentation in the medical record must show that verbal consent was obtained. Documentation of verbal consent for an HIV-related test can be accomplished through the Epic hospital computer system by selecting one of two certifications; either "I certify that the patient and/or personal representative have been given information about HIV testing and have verbally consented to the test" OR "I certify that HIV testing is required because of a life threatening medical condition or occupational exposure, and obtaining consent is not possible at this time".
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