A non-reactive HIV test result 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 their need to be re-tested for HIV. It is important to know that a non-reactive result does not necessarily mean that a person does not have HIV. Instead, it could mean that they took the test too early to detect HIV antigens or antibodies.