A ‘reactive’ result from your finger prick test indicates that HIV antibodies may be present. However, this is NOT definite and reactive results can occur and a subsequent negative HIV result be determined.

If the test result is ‘reactive’ additional laboratory testing is required before a definitive HIV result can be confirmed.  To do this, the health professional will talk you through everything, including any worries that you may have and explain the need for venous blood samples to be taken for confirmatory results.

If the first confirmatory blood result is positive, you will then be asked to provide a second blood sample to be 100% certain of the result. Your diagnosis won’t be confirmed until after this extra test and you will be supported throughout. Until a definitive result is confirmed it is  very important to follow the advice of the healthcare professional and take precautions to avoid transmitting the virus.