Reasons why you might receive a false positive result

Answer

• Test me uses high quality, accredited tests that are extremely reliable, however, no test is 100% accurate all the time. This means regrettably there will be a small number of people with an infection who receive a negative result (false negative) and a small number of people without an infection that are given a positive/reactive result (false positive/reactive).
• When using online testing services, it is possible you may be marginally more likely to receive a false positive result compared to being tested in a clinic setting. This is because with bigger blood samples taken in clinic, after a reactive HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis result the clinic’s laboratory will usually perform immediate follow up tests to confirm the true outcome before giving you the result. These extra tests cannot be provided with the finger prick samples provided within online services, meaning you will be encouraged to attend clinic so a larger sample of blood can be taken and tested more extensively.
• We appreciate receiving false reactive/positive or false negative results can be distressing. The Test.me team can support you should you receive such results. For further advice or if you have any questions contact the team on 0333 344 4462 or email [email protected] and you will be able to speak with one of the clinical team members.