Inconclusive laboratory evidence of human immunodef virus

This code signifies laboratory findings that suggest the presence of HIV but are not definitive for a diagnosis of active HIV infection or asymptomatic carrier status. It indicates an indeterminate or equivocal test result that requires further investigation.

Use this code when laboratory tests, such as Western blot or ELISA, return an indeterminate or inconclusive result for HIV antibodies or antigens. This typically occurs in situations like early seroconversion, perinatal exposure, or cross-reactivity with other conditions, necessitating follow-up testing.

• Do not use this code if the patient has a confirmed diagnosis of HIV disease (B20) or is an asymptomatic HIV carrier (Z21).
• This code should be assigned when the provider explicitly documents "inconclusive," "indeterminate," or "equivocal" HIV test results.
• Always sequence this code as a principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if the patient is being seen for another condition but has these findings.