A non-reactive result from an HIV test means that antibodies to HIV were not detected in the blood sample. This almost always means that the person is not living with HIV. However, there is a period between the time of getting HIV and the time that an HIV test can detect HIV infection. If a person has engaged in risk behaviors for HIV during the month prior to the test, they should speak to their healthcare provider about the need to be re-tested for HIV. It is important to know your HIV status because HIV can be passed to your baby during pregnancy, delivery, or through breastfeeding. A non-reactive test result provides opportunities to protect yourself from getting HIV, such as abstaining from sex or sharing needles, using a latex male or female condom, or taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis).