If my results come back “inconclusive/indeterminate,” what does that usually mean—did the lab mess up, was there not enough sample, or could it still mean I have something?

Q: If my results come back “inconclusive/indeterminate,” what does that usually mean—did the lab mess up, was there not enough sample, or could it still mean I have something?A: "Inconclusive" or "indeterminate" STI results are basically the lab saying: **“We can’t confidently call this positive or negative.”** It doesn’t automatically mean you’re infected, and it doesn’t automatically mean they screwed up.Common reasons: the result was **borderline**, the sample wasn’t ideal (not enough cells, contaminated, wrong site), or you tested **right in the middle of the window period** where your body hasn’t made enough antibodies or viral material yet. Certain tests—especially blood tests for HIV, syphilis, or herpes—are more likely to land in this gray zone.The usual next step is **repeat testing**, sometimes with a **different type of test** or after waiting a couple of weeks. Until then, treat it like “maybe” and protect yourself + partners accordingly.If your brain is screaming “WHAT DOES THIS MEAN,” you can walk through your exact report line by line with Gush and get real talk instead of panic scrolling.

What does an inconclusive STI test result mean and what should I do next?

Why labs use words like “inconclusive,” “indeterminate,” or “equivocal”

Labs aren’t guessing; they’re following strict cutoffs:- **Negative**: way below the “this looks like infection” threshold- **Positive**: clearly above that line- **Inconclusive / indeterminate / equivocal**: sitting awkwardly in the middleReasons this happens:- The **signal was low** but not zero (like a faint line on a pregnancy test that the lab refuses to over-interpret)- The test machine picked up **something**, but not enough to be sure- Internal quality controls flagged the run as **weird**, so they won’t certify it as positive or negativeThey’re basically saying: “We’re not going to lie to you either way. We need more info.”

Which STI tests are most likely to come back inconclusive?

Inconclusive happens more with some tests than others:- **HIV tests**- Early in infection, an HIV antigen/antibody test can be **borderline**.- Many labs follow up with a **confirmatory test** (e.g., HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation assay). If those disagree, you may see "indeterminate".- **Syphilis tests**- There are screening tests (like EIA or treponemal tests) and follow-ups (like RPR or VDRL).- Early or treated infections can give **weak positives** that are hard to interpret.- **Herpes blood tests (HSV-1/HSV-2 IgG)**- These are notorious for **equivocal** or low-level positive results, especially in the “1.1–3.5” index range.- They can’t tell where the infection is (mouth vs genitals) and sometimes light up for no good reason.- **Any swab/urine NAAT (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trich)**- Less likely to be “inconclusive,” but it can happen if the swab didn’t pick up enough cells, the sample leaked, or there was an internal control failure.

How timing and the window period can cause weird results

If you test **too soon** after a hookup, you can land right in the awkward middle where your body is just starting to react but not enough for a clean yes/no.Early on:- Your body might have **very low levels** of antibodies or viral particles.- The test might “notice” something but not strongly enough to hit the official cutoff.This is especially true for:- **HIV** in the **2–3 week** zone after exposure- **Syphilis** in the **3–5 week** zone- **Herpes** if blood tests are used early (which is rarely helpful anyway)In these cases, the lab asks for a **repeat test after more time has passed**. Super annoying, but also more honest than pretending they know.

Where your menstrual cycle and hormones come in (and where they don’t)

Your period and hormones can:- Change **symptoms** (more discharge, cramping, spotting)- Influence your **immune system** slightly through the cycle- Impact your **vaginal environment** (pH, good/bad bacteria balance)But here’s what they **don’t** do: make a clean STI result magically turn inconclusive.Cycle 101 recap:- **Menstrual phase**: Hormones are low, lining is shedding. Bleeding can mix with cervical mucus and mimic infection discharge. Pelvic pain during your period can feel like STI pain.- **Follicular phase**: Estrogen rises, cervical mucus gets thinner, then creamier. Normal discharge changes freak everyone out.- **Ovulation**: High estrogen, LH surge. Lots of wet, stretchy discharge; increased libido. More sex = more worry.- **Luteal phase**: Progesterone up. Discharge thicker, PMS kicks in. Immune system tweaks might make yeast or BV more common.These hormonal waves can make you **notice** your body more and panic that something is wrong. But when a lab calls a test “inconclusive,” they’re talking about **test chemistry**, not your estrogen.Hormonal birth control (pill, patch, ring, hormonal IUD):- Can change bleeding patterns, discharge, mood, and libido- Does **not** cause STI false positives or negativesIf this whole “is it my hormones or an STI or both?” puzzle is making you want to throw your phone, you can lay it all out with Gush and get a reality check rooted in science, not shame.

Practical next steps after an inconclusive result

Here’s how to move from panic to plan:1. **Read the exact words on the report**Look for phrases like: "equivocal," "indeterminate," "repeat testing recommended," or notes about "low-level reactivity".2. **Ask the clinic what they recommend**Common next steps:- **Immediate repeat** of the same test (if they suspect a lab glitch)- **Different confirmatory test** (common with HIV and syphilis)- **Retest later** (usually 2–4 weeks) if you might be in the window period3. **Treat it like a maybe until you know more**- Use **condoms/dental dams** for any sex- Avoid sharing unwashed sex toys- If a specific infection is strongly suspected (e.g., partner tested positive for chlamydia), some providers will **treat you anyway**, even while repeating tests.4. **Get copies of your results**You are allowed to have the actual lab report. It’s your body, your data.

Could “inconclusive” mean I definitely have something?

Sometimes an inconclusive result is the early warning sign for an actual infection—**but not always**.More likely to mean "probably infected, needs confirmation" when:- You had **high-risk exposure** (e.g., unprotected vaginal/anal sex with someone who’s known positive or high risk)- You have **classic symptoms** (e.g., painless syphilis sore + borderline syphilis test)- You tested right in the middle of the **known window period** for that infectionMore likely to mean "low-key lab or timing issue" when:- You have **no symptoms**- The exposure was **lower risk**- You’re testing as part of **routine screening**, not due to specific eventEither way, the move is the same: **follow up**, don’t freeze.

When you should push for more answers

Advocating for yourself is not being “difficult”; it’s survival.Push for clarity if:- All they tell you is “inconclusive” with zero explanation- They don’t offer a **timeline** for repeat testing- Your gut says something’s off (pain, discharge, sores, bleeding after sex, fever)Ask specific questions like:- "Which test was inconclusive and for what infection?"- "Is this likely due to timing, the sample, or something else?"- "When exactly should I retest, and what kind of test will that be?"- "Should my partners get tested or treated now?"

What to do with partners while you’re in limbo

While you’re waiting on follow-up:- Be honest in a calm way:- "One of my STI tests was inconclusive. I’m retesting, but until then, I want to use condoms/barriers."- Suggest they get a **routine STI screen** as well. This is about shared responsibility, not blame.If a specific infection is suspected (e.g., chlamydia), partners are sometimes advised to get **treated anyway**—even if your test hasn’t gone fully positive yet. That’s a convo for you + a provider.Inconclusive does not mean you’re dirty, reckless, or broken. It literally means the lab refused to BS you. Annoying? Absolutely. But also an opportunity to slow down, get accurate answers, and protect yourself fiercely.