What the HIV 1 & 2 Antibody Test (CMIA) measures
This blood test screens for infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), types 1 and 2, by looking for the antibodies the immune system makes against the virus. CMIA (chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay) is an automated laboratory method used for HIV screening. HIV can be present for years without any symptoms, and testing is the only way to know your status. Knowing early matters: treatment for HIV is effective, allows people to live long, healthy lives, and greatly reduces the chance of passing the virus on. Testing is commonly done as part of pregnancy care, before surgery or some procedures, after a possible exposure, when there are symptoms such as unexplained fever, weight loss or repeated infections, and as a routine check for anyone who wants to know their status. A screening test has limits. The body takes time to make antibodies, so a test done soon after an exposure can be negative even if infection has happened; this is called the window period. A reactive (positive) screening result is not a diagnosis on its own, and is confirmed with further tests, following national testing guidelines, before any conclusion is drawn. In India, HIV testing is done only with your informed consent.
Price: the HIV 1 & 2 Antibody Test (CMIA) costs ₹400 at Pure Bliss (MRP ₹500), with the sample collected at our Action Area 2, New Town centre or at your home.
Who this test is for
- Anyone who wants to know their HIV status
- Pregnancy check-ups and planning a pregnancy
- Before surgery or some procedures, when the doctor or hospital asks for it
- After a possible exposure, or with symptoms the doctor wants to look into
How to prepare, the sample, and when to expect the report
Preparation
No fasting or special preparation is needed, and the sample can be given at any time of day. If you are testing after a possible exposure, tell your doctor when it happened, as this decides whether and when a repeat test is needed. If the exposure was within the last 72 hours, see a doctor urgently about preventive medicine rather than waiting for a test.
Sample
Blood, from a vein in the arm (serum).
Reporting time
Most routine reports within 24 hours; specialised tests can take up to 72 hours.
Reading the result
The result is reported as reactive or non-reactive. A non-reactive result may need repeating if the possible exposure was recent, and a reactive result is confirmed with further tests before it is taken as a diagnosis. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, so your report lists the laboratory’s own range beside each value. A result outside the range does not always mean illness; ask your doctor to explain it.
- Centre or home collection
- NABL-accredited Redcliffe Labs collection centre
- How collection works →
The HIV 1 & 2 Antibody Test (CMIA) can be booked at the clinic in Action Area 2 or with a home collection from 7:30 AM. Patients come to us from Action Area 1, Action Area 3, Rajarhat, Chinar Park, Salt Lake Sector V, Sukhobrishti and Eco Park.