A positive result from an HIV self-test should be considered a reactive result. It means the test has detected a response consistent with HIV, but a self-test result alone does not confirm an HIV diagnosis.
If your HIV self-test is reactive, arrange follow-up testing with a healthcare professional or HIV testing service. Additional testing is required to confirm whether HIV infection is present.
If HIV is confirmed, effective treatment is available. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the amount of HIV in the blood and can lower the viral load to an undetectable level. People living with HIV who take treatment as prescribed and maintain an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives.
An undetectable viral load also means HIV is not transmitted to sexual partners through sex (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
For more information about follow-up after a reactive HIV self-test, see the CDC guidance on HIV self-testing.
You can also read more about HIV treatment and viral suppression.
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