Q and A

Question

Can you explain what the numbers on my test result mean?

7 December 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.

I wanted to ask several questions about the HIV DUO test please:

On the result report of the test was some writing from the lab which said the result was ‘non-reactive’ but did not mention any numbers. Other lab tests wrote on the result of the HIV DUO test ‘0.04 (less than 0.25 ) negative’.

My questions are:

1. What does the 0.25 number mean and why do they say ‘less than’?

2. What does the other number (0.04) mean? Does it mean the test is a little bit positive?

3. Is this test accurate after 5 months?

4. I had HIV symptoms after one month of exposure and it has carried on until now (sore throat, swollen lymph nodes) but all tests have been negative. Is it this result conclusive?

5. I need peace of my mind, what can I do to know my status?

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your questions.

Firstly the wording ‘non-reactive’ means that the results are negative. You do not have HIV.

The numbers are a way to quantify the test result to make it more accurate than simply saying ‘positive’ or ‘negative’. The closer the ‘0.04’ number is to 0 the more certain the lab will be that the result is negative. If the value is 1 then the result is ‘positive’. The phrase ‘less than 0.25’ simply states that the value of 0.04 is less than the cut-off value of 0.25 so it is in the most definitely negative band. It does not mean you are a little bit positive. This result is negative.

Some people who are in the seroconversion phase or during the window period may have a test that is closer to 1.0. In this case the healthcare worker may recommend a confirmatory test.

I am sorry you are not feeling well. The symptoms you are experiencing are not HIV-related. They are likely to be caused by something else and you should speak to your doctor about doing further tests to investigate what is causing these symptoms.

21 comments

  1. Roy Trevelion •

    But 0.08 is very close to zero, which is 0.00. It’s not at all close to 1. Non-reactive means you are HIV negative.

  2. Aakash •

    I had a HIV antibodies screening test 1 and 2 and reports comes with non reactive with 0.08. I want to ask that is it ok or I need to do some more test. Because it is very close to number 1.00. Kindly suggest.

  3. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Andre,
    Some tests (not usually in the UK) include a number (ie 0.31 or 0.64).

    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 (higher than 0.90) the doctor may repeat the test.
    A higher number below 1.0 does NOT indicate a higher chance of having HIV.

  4. Andre •

    Hi,
    This might be a dumb question.. How come the cut-off value is at 0.25? wasn’t it suppose to be at 1?
    I had a 4 generation (duo) test and my result was 0.27. The result report stated that anything below 0.90 is negative, anything between 0.90 – 1.00 is intermediate and above 1 is positive.
    I just got a bit worried after reading that a cut-off value might be at 0.25. Does this have to do with different kind of tests/kits?
    Thank you in advance,
    Andre

  5. Simon Collins •

    It is important to take the confirmatory test.

  6. Nedu •

    I have been having diarrhea for more than three weeks and I went for HIV screening. The first result came out being intermediate. I went for another test same day, and the result came out inconclusive also. (the lab technician exexplained that 2 out of 3 are uncertain while 1 is negative. I have been recommended to go for a confirmatory test. Am very scared. Please what does this mean. What’s the chance of being negative. Thank you

  7. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Mak,

    I’m not clear about your comment. The ECLIA test is a rapid test similar to the ELISSA test. This is a measure of antibodies to HIV. Sometimes you’re given a number, but this is used to show if you are HIV positive or negative.

    There are more questions and answers about testing here:
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

    Please let me know if you need more information.

  8. Mak •

    My ECLIA test shows 139.8 iu/ml. Whereas threshhold value for adult is 100. I am 72. What does it mean and why it is 39.8 iu/ml higher than normal. What does it mean?

  9. Charlotte Walker •

    If you have had a negative HIV test then you do not have HIV. You should see your doctor about what is causing your symptoms. It is not HIV. There is no chance you will become positive after 6 months unless you put yourself at risk again during this time.

  10. JINU CHACKO •

    Dear Doctor

    I had sex with a prostitue on 30th october 2010 . unfortunately the condom slipped of from my penis ( out side the vagina). then she used the same condom ( may be reversed or not ) but i am sure vaginal fluid touched on head of the penis

    after 3 weeks i got itchy skin ,tiredness , fever . itchy skin . after 11 weeks i went to clinic for hiv testing . they done my hiv test by EClia method ( HIV 1 & 11 ANIBODY + HIV 1 P24 AG BY ECLIA ) my result was negative ( 0.0202)

    Now also i am getting headache,itchy skin & tiredness , kindly help me , is any chance to become positive result after 6 months , what i will do

    pls help me

    Regards
    jinu