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Test ID: HIVFA    
HIV-1 Antibody Confirmation by Immunofluorescence, Serum

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The assay is performed by indirect IFA, using immortalized human T cells that express HIV-1 antigen on their surface. The cells are fixed to the surface of a glass slide. Fixed, uninfected T cells are used as a control. To perform the assay, a serum sample is diluted and placed in the infected and uninfected wells of the IFA slide and incubated. When a serum sample with HIV-1 antibodies comes in contact with the HIV-1 antigens on the slide, antigen-antibody binding takes place. Unbound material is removed by aspiration and washing. Bound HIV-1-specific antibodies are detected with anti-human immunoglobulin conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate, which binds human antibodies and fluoresces when exposed to ultraviolet light. Unbound material is removed by aspiration and washing. A glass coverslip is mounted to the slide and the slide is viewed under a microscope with ultraviolet light. The interpretation of the degree and pattern of fluorescence of the infected cells of the IFA slide compared with the uninfected cells determines the HIV-1 status of the sample.(Package insert: Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Fluorognost HIV-1 IFA. Sanochemia Pharmazeutika AG, Vienna, Austria 2007)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

2 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

7 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester