HIV Results & Notification

Interpreting results, disclosure & notifiable-disease duties

Field: Infectious DiseasesCode: ID-01BUpdated: June 2026Reference: ASHM HIV Testing Policy

Never say "HIV positive" verbally before a confirmatory test. A reactive 4th-generation result is preliminary only — confirm, then link to specialist care the same day. HIV is a notifiable condition in every Australian state and territory.

Delivering results — language

Negative: reassure and document; repeat at 45 days if still within the window period; discuss PrEP if risk is ongoing.
Reactive 4th-generation: say "preliminary reactive — needs confirmation" — don't say "HIV positive" until the confirmatory test returns.
Confirmed HIV-positive: refer to an HIV physician the same day; notify the relevant state health department; arrange partner notification with the specialist.
Indeterminate: order HIV RNA PCR, seek specialist input, and repeat the 4th-generation test in 2–4 weeks.

Urgent referral triggers

A reactive 4th-generation result → refer to an HIV physician or sexual health clinic the same day.
Severe seroconversion symptoms, neurological signs, or inability to swallow → same-day specialist review.
A new diagnosis in pregnancy → urgent co-management with obstetrics and an HIV physician.
HIV with active TB → both are notifiable; specialist coordination is essential.

Notifiable disease — your duty

HIV is notifiable in every Australian state and territory — in Victoria, in writing within 5 days of diagnosis. Confirm your own state's exact process and timeframe. Notification goes to the state health department, not Medicare or the testing laboratory; the requesting doctor and the lab may each have a separate duty — check your local requirements.

Partner notification

Arrange with the specialist managing the new diagnosis. Options include patient-led disclosure with support, provider referral (the clinic notifies contacts without naming the patient), or contact tracing via the state's partner notification service. Confidentiality protections apply throughout.

Billing & testing access

No referral is required to request an HIV test. ART itself is initiated and PBS-prescribed via an HIV specialist (S100 prescriber), with GP shared care once stable. Confirm current MBS item numbers at mbsonline.gov.au; ASHM helpline 1800 022 226.

Safety

Never confirm a diagnosis verbally as "HIV positive" before the confirmatory test — use "preliminary reactive" language until then.
Confirm your own state's notification process and timeframe — requirements and forms differ between jurisdictions.
Don't delay specialist referral on a reactive result while awaiting confirmation — same-day referral is appropriate.

Red flags / refer

Any reactive 4th-generation result → HIV physician or sexual health clinic the same day.
A new diagnosis in pregnancy → urgent co-management with obstetrics and an HIV physician.
HIV with active TB, or any diagnostic uncertainty → specialist coordination before proceeding.

ID-01B v1.0 · Reviewed Jun 2026 · Review Jun 2027

For health-professional use. Framework: ASHM HIV Testing Policy, Australian Department of Health. Companion sheet: ID-01 HIV Diagnosis & Testing. Confirm your state's notification duty and timeframe.