Question
What do reactive negative/non-reactive results mean?
16 January 2018. Related: All topics, HIV testing.
My ex had a rapid test and the results on the paper was reactive negative/non-reactive. He told me that the doctor said the result was positive. I googled and on your feedbacks say that it is negative – I am confused and scared now. Can you please clarify this for me?
Answer
- A non-reactive result means HIV negative.
- A reactive result means you might be HIV positive. A second test is needed to confirm the results
- An indeterminate results mean the test results was unclear and needs another test.
There is no such thing as a reactive negative result. This might be a communication error from the test centre. Please contact the testing clinic for clarification.
Please see Q8 at this link:
https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
The FAQ page on testing also has more information:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Note: This answer was updated in January 2018 from a question first posted online in November 2011.
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Hi Hilda,
Please see Q’s 1 and 8 here:
https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
I have an hiv text and results comes like response first and second that’s 280 and I don’t understand it
Hi Mary,
What non-reactive is is discussed above. I can’t comment on the 280 figure, therefore you should talk to your nurse.