Seeing the phrase “Will Follow” on a preliminary sexually transmitted disease (STD) test report can cause anxiety. This status signals that the testing process is not yet complete and a definitive result is unavailable. It communicates that while the initial laboratory work has been processed, a final, confirmed diagnosis requires additional, specialized analysis. This interim status should be interpreted as an indication of an ongoing testing procedure, not a final diagnosis of infection.
Understanding “Will Follow”
The appearance of “Will Follow” on a laboratory report means your sample has generated an indeterminate or reactive result on the initial screening assay. This is not a final positive diagnosis, but it does mean the test flagged something that requires further investigation. The status essentially serves as a placeholder, informing you and your healthcare provider that the laboratory is proceeding with the next, more specific round of testing. This is a common part of the protocol for certain STD panels, especially those testing for infections like HIV and Syphilis.
A “Will Follow” status indicates the process is still ongoing. The laboratory utilizes the same initial sample to perform a secondary, highly targeted test necessary to confirm or rule out the preliminary finding. The initial screening test is designed to be highly sensitive, meaning it is excellent at catching all potential cases, but this sometimes results in a “false positive” signal.
The laboratory automatically initiates the confirmatory testing procedure using the held sample, which generates the “Will Follow” phrase. This two-step process is a standard procedure in modern diagnostics, designed to ensure accuracy and prevent incorrect diagnoses. The status confirms the laboratory is adhering to a strict, multi-stage testing protocol necessary for obtaining the most accurate final result.
The Rationale for Two-Step Testing
Laboratories implement a two-step testing strategy to balance efficiency with accuracy, which is the direct reason for the “Will Follow” status. The first step involves a screening test that is intentionally highly sensitive, designed to detect even the faintest possibility of infection. A sensitive test is very good at identifying people who have the disease, minimizing the chance of a “false negative” result.
However, this high sensitivity means the test can sometimes react to substances in the blood that are not the target infection, leading to a “false positive” or a reactive result in a healthy person. This initial reactive result triggers the “Will Follow” status on the preliminary report.
The second step is the confirmatory test, which is highly specific. A specific test is designed to be highly accurate at ruling out the disease in people who are truly healthy. This test uses a different methodology to target a unique component of the pathogen, definitively verifying the initial flag. The confirmatory test ensures that only true positives are reported, guaranteeing the diagnosis is made with the highest degree of certainty.
Actionable Steps and Expected Timeline
The most important step upon seeing a “Will Follow” result is to remain calm and wait for the final, confirmed report. You should not draw any conclusions about your health status until the confirmatory testing is complete. You should also continue to practice safe sex to prevent any potential transmission until you have a final, definitive result.
The expected timeline for a confirmatory result can vary depending on the specific test and the laboratory’s volume, but typically takes several days to a week. For blood-based tests like those for HIV or Syphilis, the initial screening results are often available within one to three days, and the confirmatory testing may add an additional three to seven days. The testing facility or your healthcare provider is responsible for contacting you directly with the final, confirmed result.
If a week has passed since receiving the “Will Follow” status, it is appropriate to call the clinic or office that ordered the test. Inquiring about the status ensures you are not overlooked, but you should still expect the full timeline for the secondary analysis. The final communication will provide a clear positive or negative result, along with a plan for treatment or reassurance.