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I did an HIV test. How to read results with varying cut-offs?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have some queries about HIV, ELISA/ECLIA test. What is the cut-off for this test? In some lab reports, they do not mention the cut-off rate. They just mention whether it is reactive or non-reactive. In some labs, 0.9 is the cutoff, while in others, it is different. Why is it so?

Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Arun Kaushik. R

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The cut-off for the laboratory reports depends on the kit and the instrument used.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I have a few more questions. Can you please clarify them:

  1. If the result is 0.56 and the cut-off is 0.9, does that mean the result is non-reactive?
  2. How should I interpret this result?
  3. If the result is 0.8, does it mean that the person is near the cut-off value, hence at a higher risk?
  4. Or is any value below 0.9 considered out of risk?

Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Arun Kaushik. R

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

These laboratory tests are screening tests, and it is difficult to determine their accuracy. If you have some concerns, you may need to do a molecular test like PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to confirm the results.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Arun Kaushik. R

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At July 3, 2017
Reviewed AtAugust 4, 2025

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Dr. Arun Kaushik. R

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