What is the term for a sample that appears positive at the lab but must go through further analysis?

What is the term for a sample that appears positive at the lab but must go through further analysis?

• A. Presumptive positive
• B. Confirmed positive
• C. Negative
• D. Inconclusive

Answer: (A)

In diagnostic testing, a screening result that looks positive but isn’t yet confirmed is called a presumptive positive. This label fits because the result is provisional—it suggests a positive finding but requires a confirmatory analysis to establish the final status. It’s not a final positive, which would mean confirmation already showed positivity; it’s not negative, and it isn’t inconclusive, which means the result is uncertain rather than clearly positive pending further testing.

In diagnostic testing, a screening result that looks positive but isn’t yet confirmed is called a presumptive positive. This label fits because the result is provisional—it suggests a positive finding but requires a confirmatory analysis to establish the final status. It’s not a final positive, which would mean confirmation already showed positivity; it’s not negative, and it isn’t inconclusive, which means the result is uncertain rather than clearly positive pending further testing.