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How to Read Your Test
How to Read Your Test
Positive Result
A positive test result means that the infection was detected in your sample. This usually means:
You currently have the STD.
- For some infections, a past infection may still show up (e.g., herpes or syphilis, which can remain in the body).
- Further testing may be needed to confirm or determine if the infection is active.
Positive Result
A positive test result means that the infection was detected in your sample. This usually means:
You currently have the STD.
- For some infections, a past infection may still show up (e.g., herpes or syphilis, which can remain in the body).
- Further testing may be needed to confirm or determine if the infection is active.
Negative Result
A negative test result means that the infection was not detected in your sample. However:
- Some infections take time to show up (incubation period), so if you tested too early, you may need to retest later.
- If you still have symptoms, your doctor may recommend additional testing or another type of test.
Negative Result
A negative test result means that the infection was not detected in your sample. However:
- Some infections take time to show up (incubation period), so if you tested too early, you may need to retest later.
- If you still have symptoms, your doctor may recommend additional testing or another type of test.
Reactive / Non-Reactive (Antibody Tests)
For some STDs like HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B/C, tests look for antibodies rather than the actual virus.
- Reactive (or "positive") means antibodies were found, suggesting exposure to the infection.
- Non-reactive (or "negative") means no antibodies were detected.
- A reactive result may require follow-up testing for confirmation.
Reactive / Non-Reactive (Antibody Tests)
For some STDs like HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B/C, tests look for antibodies rather than the actual virus.
- Reactive (or "positive") means antibodies were found, suggesting exposure to the infection.
- Non-reactive (or "negative") means no antibodies were detected.
- A reactive result may require follow-up testing for confirmation.
Equivocal or Inconclusive Results
Sometimes, the test isn’t clear. This could be due to:
- Testing too soon after exposure
- Low levels of the virus or bacteria
- A borderline result
In these cases, your doctor may recommend retesting after a few weeks.
Equivocal or Inconclusive Results
Sometimes, the test isn’t clear. This could be due to:
- Testing too soon after exposure
- Low levels of the virus or bacteria
- A borderline result
In these cases, your doctor may recommend retesting after a few weeks.
Follow-Up Actions
If positive: Consult a doctor for treatment, partner notification, and next steps.
If negative: but exposed recently: Retest after the incubation period.
If unclear: Get retested or take a different type of test.
Follow-Up Actions
If positive: Consult a doctor for treatment, partner notification, and next steps.
If negative: but exposed recently: Retest after the incubation period.
If unclear: Get retested or take a different type of test.
If you test positive for an STD or receive an inconclusive result requiring a retest, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and others.
If you test positive for an STD or receive an inconclusive result requiring a retest, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and others.
Why Abstaining is Important:
- Prevent Spreading the Infection: Many STDs can be transmitted through sexual contact, even if you don’t have symptoms.
- Allow Time for Treatment: Some infections require medication, and you may remain contagious until treatment is complete.
- Avoid False Negatives: If retesting is needed, sexual activity before the next test could lead to further complications or reinfection.
Why Abstaining is Important:
- Prevent Spreading the Infection: Many STDs can be transmitted through sexual contact, even if you don’t have symptoms.
- Allow Time for Treatment: Some infections require medication, and you may remain contagious until treatment is complete.
- Avoid False Negatives: If retesting is needed, sexual activity before the next test could lead to further complications or reinfection.
What to Do Next:
- Avoid any sexual contact (including oral, vaginal, and anal sex) until you have completed treatment and your doctor confirms it’s safe to resume.
- Inform your partner(s) so they can also get tested and treated if necessary.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations for medication, follow-up testing, and when it’s safe to have sex again.
- Use protection in the future to reduce the risk of reinfection.
Your health and the health of your partners matter. If you have any concerns or need guidance, reach out to a healthcare provider for the best next steps.
What to Do Next:
- Avoid any sexual contact (including oral, vaginal, and anal sex) until you have completed treatment and your doctor confirms it’s safe to resume.
- Inform your partner(s) so they can also get tested and treated if necessary.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations for medication, follow-up testing, and when it’s safe to have sex again.
- Use protection in the future to reduce the risk of reinfection.
Your health and the health of your partners matter. If you have any concerns or need guidance, reach out to a healthcare provider for the best next steps.
Shaggy Inc maintains a neutral stance and does not exhibit loyalty to any specific pharmacy or pharmaceutical company, ensuring an agnostic approach to the industry.
Shaggy Inc maintains a neutral stance and does not exhibit loyalty to any specific pharmacy or pharmaceutical company, ensuring an agnostic approach to the industry.
| © 2025 by Shaggy
| © 2025 by Shaggy