Question

What does the number mean on an HIV test result?

30 September 2016. Related: All topics, HIV testing.

My ELISA test index value is 0.38. I am non reactive. Is there any risk in this value?

Answer

Hi,

Some tests (not in the UK) include a number with the result.

If the number is higher than 1.0 it means you are positive.
If the number on your test is less that 1.0 it means you are negative.

So long as it is below 1.0 the number itself has little meaning. For example, 0.68 is not worse than 0.38. A higher number below 1.0 does NOT indicate a higher chance of having HIV.

If the number is close to 1.0 – for example between 0.9 and 1.0, the test might be run again.

For more information see: Why do I have a number on my negative test result?

4 comments

Lisa Thorley • 18 February 2017

Hi Raj,

Please see Q1 here:

http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
raj • 18 February 2017

Western bolt and p24 test negative After 6 month can I free but all symptom are coming again and again
Lisa Thorley • 19 January 2017

Hi Sulaya,

Please see questions 1 and 8 here:

http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Sulaya • 19 January 2017

Hi Dear,
I just received HIV elisa report. It doesnt say positive or negative, but it came in numbers. mine is 0.25 it means I am Positive or Negative? is there any chance of number will increase as the time goes? it is been already 3 months after the exposure. please help me with the answer. Thanks