Q and A

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

Answer: Li Marhaban

  • 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.

64 comments

  1. Simon Collins •

    There is no such thing as an HIV carrier – someone either has HIV or they don’t.

    Please see this FAQ page:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

    Or in this online guide:
    HIV testing and risk of transmission

  2. Peter zulu •

    Does an hiv carier test positive

  3. Simon Collins •

    If you are asking about a test results, then please ask the person that gave you this result.

    It sounds like it might just mean “negative”.

  4. amalia •

    Wat does presumed negative means

  5. Robin Jakob •

    Hi you can find the information in the question and answer above.

  6. Aung •

    Why didn’t the test mention Negative or Positive clearly?
    May be confused on non-reactive or reactive.

  7. Robin Jakob •

    Hi,
    Please check the answer to the question above for the info you are looking for.

  8. raph •

    I tested for HIV and my result is non reactive. What does this mean?

  9. Robin Jakob •

    Hi,

    If your test was taken more than 4 weeks after an exposure you can assume that it is accurate. They recommend that you take another after 3 months just to make sure.

  10. paeton •

    Today i tested for HIV and am negative. They said that i must be tested again after 3 months?