What does an unclear test result mean? – Better2Know blog

Everyone knows the relief that comes with a negative test result, and those same people can imagine the fear and anxiety that comes with a positive test result.

But some people will get a result that doesn’t cause fear or relief – it just makes them scratch their heads.

Inconclusive results are unusual, but they happen. Keep reading to find out what they are, why they happen, and what to do if you get one.

It is important to know your sexual health status.

How do STD tests work?

To understand what unclear test results can mean, we need to understand how STD testing works.

Like many medical tests, STD testing uses samples – a representative sample of a problem area – to determine whether an infection exists. These monsters are usually in the shape of blood, urineor cotton swabs.

• Blood samples are collected from your vein with a needle. This can be done in a clinic by a nurse or at home using a finger lance.
• Urine samples are collected in containers, in the clinic or at home. They are usually collected by the patient in both cases.
• Mop monsters are collected by using a cotton swab to collect some material from the affected area – usually the genitals, mouth or rectum.

These samples are then processed using various testing methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), antibody tests and antigen tests, depending on the infection being tested for.

• PCR testing detect the DNA of specific pathogens in a sample.
• Antibody tests detect antibodies that your body produces to fight certain infections. Antibody tests are usually performed for viral infections such as HIV And Hepatitis B.
• Antigen testing detect antigens produced by viruses. Antigen tests can help detect certain infections in their earliest stages.

There are four possible outcomes of a test: positive, negative, not decisiveAnd ambiguous. You probably know what positive and negative mean. But what about the other two?

What does an unclear test result mean?

‘Inconclusive’ means that the test in question was performed correctly – there is nothing wrong with the equipment – ​​but the laboratory has not been able to make a reliable determination whether it is positive or negative. In other words, the sample did not yield a definitive result one way or another.

What does a questionable test result mean?

An “ambiguous” test result is similar to an unclear test result. However, it means something more specific: that the results fall within a borderline range – too low to be considered positive, but too high to be considered negative. These types of results are most common with antibody tests.

Why would you get these results?

An unclear or ambiguous test result can be caused by a number of factors.

Example problems

Sometimes a sample is not optimal. If the sample provided is not viable, the test cannot detect infection.

Some common sampling issues include:

• Insufficient sampling: The amount of blood or urine supplied did not meet the required threshold.
• Decomposition: Too much time has passed since the sample was taken. This is usually caused by delayed transport.
• Pollution: Foreign matter has contaminated the sample, making it unsuitable for testing.
• Incorrect collection: Problems during collection can compromise the viability of the sample.

Improper timing of the sample or early stage of a condition

In order for an infection to reach detectable levels in your body, samples must be taken at the right time.

For most STD tests, 14 days after the concerning incident should be sufficient. However, a longer period (a few more days to a few weeks) could provide a more robust and reliable sample.

For example, it is quite common for people infected with HIV to be tested too early. The urgency to gain clarity about their condition may lead some people to get tested before the right amount of antigens or antibodies have developed. Someone who is tested too early may receive a negative test result, but still be infected.

If you are tested, pay attention to clinical guidelines around test timing.

Biological variation

When testing for antibodies, some people naturally produce borderline or fluctuating antibody levels, and the immune response can vary from patient to patient. In other words, some people may produce more antibodies than others in response to the same infection. This can make determining critical levels of said antibodies a bit difficult under certain circumstances.

Medicines and supplements

Although most tests are not affected by medications or supplements, excessive consumption of biotins (vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R) should be avoided in the days before the test.

Other immunoassays for hormone testing can also be affected by substances such as dopamine, fluorescein and prednisone.

Consult your doctor before getting tested if you are taking medications or supplements.

Technical factors

These are laboratory and instrument-related factors that can interfere with accurate detection.

• Low level signal interference: Interference refers to substances or conditions that disrupt the test’s ability to accurately detect the pathogen signal. This may involve sample contamination from powders or detergents, but also matrix effects, where the natural composition of a sample influences signal production.
• Borderline Test Performance: Assays are designed with defined thresholds. Cross-border performance can occur when small fluctuations push results into a “gray area.”
• Variability of instruments: Improperly calibrated equipment, unstable temperature control, or inconsistent reagent quality can make a result unreliable.
• Procedural errors: Sometimes errors occur due to sample handling and testing. Pipetting errors, mislabeling, and deviations from protocols can affect test performance.

Diet and lifestyle

Certain dietary and lifestyle factors can affect test results.

• Not fasting: Eating before a test that requires fasting can change your blood sugar and lipid levels.
• Physical activity: Strenuous exercise before a test can increase certain muscle enzymes.
• Time of day: The levels of some hormones, such as cortisol, fluctuate throughout the day based on your circadian rhythm. The timing of the test can be critical.
• Menstrual cycle: When you get tested during your cycle, the results can veer into uncertain territory.

Other conditions

Cross-reactivity between antibodies and another related virus (for example, a cold) can cause an ambiguous result in an antibody test.

Individual biological variability

Some people naturally have levels of certain biomarkers that are outside the “normal” range, but are normal for them, which can be flagged as an unclear result.

What should you do if you get these results?

Getting any of these results can be confusing. This is what we recommend to all our patients who receive an unclear or ambiguous result.

Repeat testing

Retesting is the first step. This can provide clarity, especially if there were problems with the sample collected.

Follow clinical guidelines

If an unclear result is obtained, follow-up testing should be performed using appropriate procedures and methods. Patients undergoing testing should follow clinical guidelines, especially when collecting samples after the appropriate incubation period.

Take the clinical context into account

Symptoms, exposure history, or other relevant information can guide next steps beyond the booster test.

Final thoughts

Obtaining a test result other than negative can be very stressful. But it is important not to panic. Keep in mind that most STDs are curable and most others can be treated with proper care and medications.

Book an STD test near you via the button below. You can also speak to a member of our friendly Patient Services team. They can talk to you about your situation and even book a test for you.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.