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. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Jeric,

    Please see Q’s 1 and 8 here:

    http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  2. Jeric •

    Hi si can you please enlightened me regarding to my results of HIV because it wasn’t clearly written that i’m non reactive.the results shows like these. Count 0.448 negative, 1.0 positive, 1.0. But the doctor says I’m negative.

  3. Simon Collins •

    Hi Jason – please see Q1 and Q8 at this link for your question:
    http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  4. Jason •

    I get result as non reactive after test of retro virus 1/2 does that mean i am negetive or positive please reply soon

  5. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Junior,

    Please see questions 1 and 8 here:

    http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  6. junior •

    I’m pregnant on my first visit at the clinic i test positive and they took my blood sample to the lab and came back non reactive at the 12.6 and my CD4count says I’m 518 and I just took some antinaf pills Thetford day they told me that it is possible to leave the pilast as they didn’t found anything on my blood test from the lab

  7. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Prisilla,

    Please see questions 1 and 8 here:

    http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  8. prisilla •

    i did an hiv test but iam not sure cause it is written HCT- Non reactive but the hand writting looks like now reactive confused.

  9. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Reddy,

    Please see questions 1 and 8 here:

    http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  10. reddy •

    hi i went to a lab for HIV test after taken my blood sample the result they gave me that “RVS – Non-Reactive to determine kit”, what does it mean exactly,? am i HIV positive? or any need to give another sample to re checkup please suggest.