Understanding your
HIV test results

A negative result means that no HIV antibodies, antigens, or genetic material were detected in your sample at the time of testing.
In most cases, this means you do not have HIV.

However, timing matters. If you were recently exposed to HIV, you may have tested too early for the result to be accurate. This is called the window period — and it's one of the most important things to understand about HIV testing.

After a person acquires HIV, their body takes time to produce detectable levels of HIV antibodies or antigens. This gap between exposure and detection is called the window period.
During this time, a test may return a negative result even if HIV is present.

Window periods by test type:

• Nucleic acid test (NAT): 10–33 days after exposure
• Antigen/antibody test (blood draw): 18–45 days after exposure
• Antigen/antibody test (finger prick): 18–90 days after exposure
• Antibody-only test: 23–90 days after exposure

Our recommendation: If you may have been exposed to HIV, test at 45 days for an early indication — and again at 90 days for a conclusive result.

Not sure when you were exposed, or which test is right for you? Call us or book a consultation — we'll walk you through it

• If you tested within the window period, schedule a follow-up test at 90 days
• Talk to us about PrEP — daily medication that reduces your risk of acquiring HIV by up to 99%
• Continue regular testing if you are sexually active — we recommend every 3–6 months for most people
• Know that getting tested regularly is one of the most responsible things you can do

A positive result means that HIV was detected in your sample.
We know this can be a lot to process. Please take a breath.

An HIV-positive result today is not what it was decades ago. With modern antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV live long, healthy lives. HIV is a manageable chronic condition — not a death sentence.

At McGregor Clinic, a positive result is the beginning of a care plan, not the end of anything.


What happens next:

• A confirmatory test will be performed to verify the result
• We'll connect you with our HIV care team to discuss treatment options
• You'll learn about antiretroviral therapy (ART) — medications that reduce the virus to undetectable levels in your blood
• We'll talk about what "undetectable = untransmittable" (U=U) means for you and your partners
• You'll receive referrals to support services, mental health resources, and medication assistance programs if needed

You are not alone in this. We have supported people through this moment many times — and we will support you too.

When someone with HIV takes antiretroviral therapy consistently and their viral load becomes undetectable, they cannot transmit HIV to a sexual partner.

This is known as U=U — Undetectable = Untransmittable — and it is one of the most important scientific advances in HIV care.

Learn more →

Occasionally, a test result is inconclusive or indeterminate. This means the result was neither clearly positive nor clearly negative.

This can happen for several reasons:

• You may have tested during the window period, when HIV levels are still too low to confirm
• There may have been a technical issue with the sample
• In rare cases, a recent vaccination or other medical condition can affect results

An inconclusive result does not mean you have HIV. It means we need more information.

What to do next:

• A follow-up test will be scheduled, typically using a different test method
• Avoid donating blood until a conclusive result is confirmed
• Continue to use barrier protection in the meantime
• Come back in and we'll take care of the next steps together

What to know about rapid test results:

• A negative rapid result is considered conclusive if it has been 90 or more days since your last possible exposure
• A reactive (preliminary positive) rapid result must always be confirmed with a follow-up laboratory test before a diagnosis is made
• No rapid result — positive or negative — should be acted on without speaking with a healthcare provider

Our team is here immediately after your results to answer questions and guide your next steps. You will never receive a result and be left on your own.