What type of specimen is collected to test for the presence of HIV antibodies?

The appropriate specimen for testing the presence of HIV antibodies is a blood specimen. Blood tests are the most common and reliable method for detecting HIV because they can identify the antibodies that the immune system produces in response to the virus. Additionally, these tests can also measure the virus levels directly in the case of advanced testing methods.

While other specimen types, such as urine and saliva, can be utilized for HIV testing, they are generally less sensitive and may not detect HIV infection as early as blood tests. Cerebrospinal fluid is typically not used for routine HIV antibody testing but rather for specific cases when neurological involvement is suspected. Therefore, the blood specimen is the standard choice due to its effectiveness and accuracy in detecting HIV antibodies.