DBS test results

How do I get the results of my DBS HIV and hepatitis C test?

When the result of your DBS test is ready, a nurse from Sexual Health Infolink will contact you with your results or it may be possible for the health service which helped you do the test, to provide your results.

One of the following results will be given to you:

• Negative - no HIV or hepatitis C infection. You will get your results either by text message, email or a phone call.
• Detected – it is possible there is HIV or hepatitis C infection. You will get a text message or email asking you to call the nurse on 1800 451 624. The results of any DBS test showing HIV or hepatitis C are not final and a second test must be done. The nurse will talk to you about the next steps.
• Invalid - the test did not work. You will get a text message or email asking you to call the nurse on 1800 451 624. The nurse will talk to you about having another DBS test or a standard test done by a doctor.
• Detected HCV RNA ≤ 40IU/ml - The DBS test for hepatitis C (RNA) was detected but was at a low level. The level was so low the lab could not determine how much virus was present in the DBS sample. This result has two meanings. One is that you may be infected with HCV and the other is that the DBS test result could be false. A blood test is needed to confirm it. In the meantime avoid any exposure of your blood to others.

What happens if HIV shows in my DBS HIV test result?

If the DBS HIV test shows HIV in your blood, you will need to have a standard blood test to confirm HIV infection. A nurse will call you and tell you where you can go for a standard HIV test. The nurse will also contact you again within 7 days of being given your result to ask if you need any more assistance or support.

What happens if hepatitis C shows in my DBS test result?

If the DBS test shows hepatitis C in your blood, you will need to have a standard blood test to confirm current infection. A nurse will call you and tell you where you can go for a standard hepatitis C test. A nurse will also contact you again within 7 days of being given your result to ask if you need any more assistance or support.

How accurate is the DBS HIV test?

Overall, DBS tests are very accurate. In people with HIV infection, the DBS HIV test will be correct more than 99 times out of every 100 tests.

The DBS test may not be able to detect HIV for up to 12 weeks after a person has been infected. This is called the ‘window period’ where a very small number of tests can give a ‘false negative result’. This means the test result can be negative even if a person has HIV infection.

A very small number of tests can also give a ‘false positive result’, which means the test result is positive, but the person does not have HIV infection. This is clarified through further testing.

How accurate is the DBS hepatitis C test?

Overall, DBS tests are very accurate, close to 100% accuracy.

A very small number of tests can also give a ‘false positive result’, which means the test result is positive, but the person does not have hepatitis C infection. This is clarified through further testing.

​What have we learned from the DBS project so far?​

We conducted a midpoint evaluation of the study, and the full report is available for you to read at NSW Dried Blood Spot HIV and Hepatitis C Testing Pilot: Mid-Point Evaluation, November 2016 – December 2020.​​