HIV Testing
Results Explanation Guide
What your result means, and the next step to take.
| Result | What it means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | No HIV was detected, and you are past the window period for your last possible exposure. | Keep testing regularly. Ask about PrEP for ongoing protection. |
| Negative, within the window | No HIV detected, but the test was too soon after a recent exposure to be conclusive. | Re-test after the window period (see the window tool). Consider PEP if exposure was within 72 hours. |
| Reactive / positive (rapid) | The rapid or self-test picked up signs of HIV. This is a screening result, not a final diagnosis. | Have a confirmatory lab test as soon as possible. Don't panic, many rapid reactives are confirmed and managed well. |
| Confirmed positive | A laboratory test has confirmed you are living with HIV. | Start treatment (ART), it's free, keeps you healthy, and makes HIV untransmittable when suppressed. Link to care today. |
| Indeterminate | The test was unclear, neither clearly negative nor positive. | Follow up with a different or repeat test as the provider advises. It usually resolves on retesting. |
Educational only, not a medical diagnosis.
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