What Does a Non-Reactive Result Mean in HIV Testing?

A non -reactive result of an HIV test means that you have tested negative for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In most cases, this means that you do not have a detectable infection.

In some cases, however, you can get a non -responsive result if you test too early after exposure to HIV. Readers after a while – weeks or months – may be necessary to detect HIV more precisely.

The HIV test is to check the samples of your blood, saliva or urine for HIV antigens (foreign proteins that trigger an immune response) or antibodies (proteins that your body does in response to a viral infection).

A non -responsive result means that your sample has not shown the presence of HIV antigens or antibodies at the time of tests. In other words, it was negative. This generally suggests one of the two things:

• You do not have HIV.
• You tested too early After the exhibition, before antigens or detectable HIV antibodies develop.

On the other hand, a reactive result means that the test has shown a reaction, suggesting the presence of HIV antigens or antibodies in your sample. This suggests a positive HIV infection.

The results of HIV antibody tests are precise more than 99.5% time.

Health care providers can test your sample twice or confirm the results before receiving them. The first test is called a Enzymatic immunodosage (EIA) or a immuno-enzymatic test (Elisa) Test. Laboratory technicians use another test called Western Blot to confirm positive results.

Inaccurate results can occur if you have been tested during the window period.

THE window period is the time between your exposure to the virus and when your body produces enough antibodies for the test to detect it. In most cases, your immune system takes Three weeks to two months To produce detectable antibodies. Tests during the window period often lead to non -reactive (negative) results, even if you have HIV.

Due to the potential of a false negative result during the window period, a new HIV test may be necessary, especially if you have certain risk factors. These may include:

• You have had vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV.
• You have had sex with more than one partner from your last HIV test.
• You have shared needles or syringes with other people.
• You have or have other sexually transmitted infections (IST), such as hepatitis or tuberculosis.
• You have had sex for money or drugs.
• You have had sex with someone who has done one of these things.
• You do not know the sexual history of a sexual partner.

Avoiding sex and consumption of injection drugs can help you prevent and avoid HIV infection. If you have sex, you can help reduce your risk of HIV infection by following certain habits. Try these strategies:

• Use condoms: Male and female condoms (sometimes called external and internal condoms) can help prevent HIV and other STIs. Make sure you use them correctly each time.
• Choose consciously sexual activities: HIV is mainly spread through vaginal or anal sex, and there is little chance of passing oral sex.
• Take pre-exhibition prophylaxis (PREP): Preparation is a medication that can help reduce the risk of HIV in sex or consumption of injection drugs. The preparation is available in the form of tablets or injections and is the most effective when you take it as prescribed.
• Find out about post-exhibition prophylaxis (PEP): You can speak to your PEP health care provider if you are HIV positive or do not know your HIV status, but think that you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours (three days). This is a medication you take for 28 days to avoid infection.
• Be tested and treated for other STIs: Having other STIs increases your chances of obtaining HIV. Being tested and dealt with for these conditions can reduce your chances of obtaining HIV.
• Never share syringes or needles: If you inject medication, use clean and new syringes each time, needles and other injection equipment.
• Have fewer sexual partners: Having sex with fewer people means that there is less chance of having a partner who can send you HIV.
• Encourage your partner to stay in treatment if they have HIV: HIV treatment can help reduce their viral load, which reduces their risk of transmission of infection to seronegative partners.

A non -reactive HIV test result is a negative test result. It usually means that you don’t have HIV. However, if you tested too early after exposure – in the window period, before HIV detectable antibodies develop – your test result can also be non -reactive.

If you have a non -reactive or negative test result, plan to talk to a health care provider of your HIV risk and if you need to be tested to confirm the result.