Q and A

Question

What does the number on my HIV test result mean?

I had an HIV test done and result was negative and non reactive. The result showed 0.04 what does this mean? Jake

Answer

Hi Jake,

Thank you for your question.

A result that is less than 1.0  means you do not have HIV. You result of 0.04 is less than 1.0.

The number is a more accurate (quantitative) way of measuring the result other than a simple, yes or no. If the number is less than 1.0 the result is negative,

if the result is above 1.0 the result is positive,

if the result is very close to 1.0, either higher or lower, then the doctor may decide a confirmatory test is required.

Any time you don’t understand a test result it is important to ask the test centre or doctor who performed the test.

The answer was updated in January 2017 from a post in November 2010. i-Base no longer answers questions about HIV testing and transmission. Please see: Questions 1 and 8 at this link for more information.

91 comments

  1. Roy Trevelion

    The result 0.08 is HIV negative. This result shows that it’s not possible that HIV is growing inside your body.

    Most questions about transmission and testing have been answered here:
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  2. Nitesh

    I had gone to HIV test duo 4 th generation test results showing non reactive (0.08 ) its negative report but my question is why its showing 0.08 ? I’m worried is HIV is growing inside my body ?

  3. Roy Trevelion

    Sorry Akite, but it’s not clear what percentage this is.

    Is your comment about HIV test results? Most questions about transmission and testing have been answered here:
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  4. akite

    I want to know more about percentage, what if it is 9%

  5. Simon Collins

    The answer is above and in the FAQ page on testing.
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  6. Manoj

    My hiv test today index value 00.6 what is mean this value

  7. Simon Collins

    The answer is in the orignal reply to this post – please see above.

  8. Sam

    I had a unprotected sex a year back and 2 days back i had a hiv test i.e. HIV 1 & 2 antibodies and method is CMIA. The result is non reactive 0.18 so what does it mean ?
    in reports they were mentioned
    provisional reactive: presumptively infected with hiv, it is recommended to confirm the result by western blot for HIV 1 & 2

    what is the meaning of this ?

  9. Roy Trevelion

    Generally, if the number is over 1.0 it’s considered a positive result. If the number is under 1.0 it’s considered a negative result.

    This is explained more fully in the question and comments above.

  10. Srk

    I done the HIV test 1 & 2 Antibody (ECLIA)
    Where I got the test result is 0.26 negative as per your information but I want to know why this actually 0.26 what does it mean?
    Could you please explain.
    I shall be grateful to you.