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What does a reactive HIV test with negative antibodies mean?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had an HIV test done, and it is reactive, but the antibody test is negative. What does this mean?
Answered by Dr. Lohit Chauhan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lohit Chauhan is a Family Physician dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. With over a decade of clinical expertise, he focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment to help patients achieve optimal health. His approach emphasizes not only managing illness but also promoting overall well-being and vitality, enabling patients to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It might be due to the HIV test detecting the HIV antigen (p24), and the antibody test might still be in the window period (meaning, the antibodies against HIV have not been formed in the body yet). In any infection, the infection produces its antigen, and later, when antigens are processed by our immune system, the body produces antibodies against the infection.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At May 12, 2019
Reviewed At November 24, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lohit Chauhan is a Family Physician dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. With over a decade of clinical expertise, he focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment to help patients achieve optimal health. His approach emphasizes not only managing illness but also promoting overall well-being and vitality, enabling patients to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

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Dr. Lohit Chauhan
Dr. Lohit Chauhan

General Medicine

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lohit Chauhan is a Family Physician dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. With over a decade of clinical expertise, he focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment to help patients achieve optimal health. His approach emphasizes not only managing illness but also promoting overall well-being and vitality, enabling patients to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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