What's the Difference Between Positive & Negative Results in an HIV Test?

Tests for HIV screen either for the presence of antibodies to the virus or for the virus' genetic material. In either case, a positive result means that HIV has been detected, while a negative result means that HIV has not been detected.

Positive Result

• A positive result on an HIV test, either an antibody test or an RNA test, means that HIV has been detected and that the tested individual has contracted HIV (is now HIV-positive).

Confirmatory Test

• A confirmatory test is run if a positive result is found during an initial HIV test, meaning that a positive result is not delivered until two tests have been performed. More testing is done on the same sample taken for the first test.

Negative Result

• A negative result on an HIV test means that HIV has not been detected within the sample. However, a negative test result does not always mean that the tested individual does not have HIV.

Considerations

• A person with a negative test result may or may not actually be HIV-positive. This is because the test may have been performed before a detectable level of antibodies developed, meaning that they would not register on the test.

Implications

• Being diagnosed with HIV is the first step in the management of HIV disease. From there out, HIV-positive individuals should meet with their doctor to monitor the progression of the virus and to make decisions about treatment.