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
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.
Hi Boudi,
Please see Q’s 1 and 8 here:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
I did HIV ab test 10 months ago, the result was negative (0.29),
So 2 months ago the condom slipped off when i did it with a girl who i doubt that she is hiv+, i Have had really light sore throat but it has been since 3 weeks until now, i am really scared so i did an HIV test again some days ago and the result was negative (0.41), the question is:
Why the number has increased from 0.29 to 0.41? Does that mean something dangerous? Could u explain to me please?
Hi Nafiu,
Please see Q’s 1 and 8 here:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
I went for my HIV test and the result is 0.24(non reactive) the normal range is less than 1.00 (non reactive) please what does it means?
Hi Amit,
Please see Q’s 1 and 8 here:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
My reports are Index value 0.06
And they said the result are non reactive can you please tell me what does it means!!??
Hi Murali – you are negative – information about the number is here:
http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
My result is around 0.364 result is non reactive sir am so scared about it please give me some advice
Answers to questions on testing including about the number are already online at the FAQ page.
http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
0.04 means you are negative,the cut-off value is the level you need to be above to be positive.
I have done sex without condom a message parlour girl. I was scared . After 17 days I go for hiv test in Bangladesh but result also bit scary Optical density got 0.04 and cut off value just write 1.0 but in result wrote negative. Did I need to do another test because of cut off value 1.0
Pls advice me.