What does a positive preliminary screening test result mean? What should be done next?

Okay, friend, I understand you're likely feeling very anxious and nervous seeing this result. Don't panic. Let's take this step by step to clarify things.

Preliminary Positive ≠ Diagnosis! Don't Panic; Take it Step-by-Step

First and foremost, please keep this absolutely crucial point in mind: A preliminary positive test result does NOT mean you are 100% infected with HIV! It's just a "warning signal" telling you that further testing is required.

I. Why Doesn't Preliminary Positive Mean Diagnosed?

Think of the preliminary screening test like a "first round" or "screening" type of test. Its key characteristic is extreme sensitivity—it's designed to cast a wide net, essentially believing "it's better to flag too many than miss one".

Purpose: Its main job is to rapidly identify anyone potentially infected, so the criteria are set quite broadly.
Possibility: Because it's so sensitive, it can sometimes incorrectly flag non-HIV conditions as "positive". This is called a "false positive." For example, certain autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, recent vaccinations, or even other viral infections can cause a preliminary test to show false positive. So, a preliminary positive only means: "Hey, your results are suspicious and we need to double-check with a more precise test."

II. The Most Important Things to Do Next (Action Guide)

Seeing a positive result, do NOT isolate yourself at home dwelling on it or searching the internet for scary information. The right thing to do is take immediate action.

Stay Calm and Seek a Professional Facility Immediately
- Where to go? Your first choice should be the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in your city. This is the most authoritative, professional institution, and testing is usually free.
- Other Option: You can also go to the Infectious Diseases Department, Infection Department, or Dermatology & Venereology Department of a top-tier hospital (Grade A Level 3). Explain the situation to the doctor; they will arrange follow-up testing.
- What to bring? Bring your preliminary test report if you have it. If not, just go and explain your situation.
Get a "Confirmatory Test"
- At the CDC or hospital, a doctor will arrange a test called a "confirmatory test", which usually involves drawing blood.
- This test method (like the Western Blot) is much more complex and precise than the preliminary screening. Think of it as the "final round" or "gold standard" test; its job is to accurately determine whether you are truly infected with HIV.
- The result of this confirmatory test is the definitive diagnosis.
Wait Patiently for Results While Protecting Yourself and Others
- It takes time for the confirmatory test results to come back, typically one to two weeks. This waiting period is emotionally taxing, but try to maintain your composure as much as possible.
- Critically important: While waiting for the final result, stop all sexual activity. If sex cannot be avoided, you MUST absolutely use condoms correctly and consistently (100% of the time). Also, avoid sharing personal items that could come into contact with blood—like toothbrushes and razors—and do NOT donate blood. This is essential for taking responsibility for both yourself and others.
Seek Psychological Support
- This process is incredibly stressful; don't shoulder it alone. Talk to a close, trusted friend or family member.
- If the pressure feels overwhelming, seek help from a professional counselor or therapist. Many city CDC offices also offer related counseling services.

III. Understanding the Final Confirmatory Result

Once the confirmatory test report is out, there are only two possible scenarios:

Scenario One: Result is Negative
- Congratulations! This means the preliminary test was a "false positive." You are NOT infected with HIV and can finally breathe a deep sigh of relief.
- Having gone through this scare, please take your health seriously. Reflect on whether you had engaged in any high-risk behaviors and ensure you consistently use proper protection methods (like using condoms) in the future to avoid experiencing this kind of fear again.
Scenario Two: Result is Positive (Diagnosis)
- Take a deep breath. I know this is incredibly difficult to accept, but please remember this: Today, AIDS is NOT a death sentence. Like hypertension or diabetes, it is a manageable chronic condition.
- Here’s what you need to do next:
  1. Collaborate Actively with Your Doctor: Staff at the CDC and designated hospitals will create a medical record for you and develop a treatment plan.
  2. Start Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) ASAP ("Start Medication"): Modern medications are highly effective with minimal side effects. By consistently taking your medication daily, you can rapidly suppress the level of virus in your body to an undetectable level.
  3. U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable): This is a groundbreaking discovery that has changed HIV history. It means that once you are on stable treatment and your viral load is suppressed to undetectable levels, you CANNOT transmit HIV through sexual contact. You can live a normal life—work, have relationships, maintain a healthy partnership, and have children.
  4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular sleep patterns, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and a positive mindset are crucial for treatment success.

Finally, Remember These Key Points:

Do NOT Panic: A preliminary positive result is not the end of the world; it's simply a signal requiring serious attention.
Take Action: Seek a confirmatory test at a professional facility immediately—that's the only correct thing to do.
Do NOT Despair: Even if diagnosed, trust science. Current medical knowledge allows you to have a normal, healthy, and long life.

This path might be challenging, but you are not fighting alone. You have dedicated doctors, effective medication, and various support systems to help you. Face it bravely, handle it proactively, and everything will gradually get better. Stay strong!