presumptive negative

[ pri-zuhmp-tiv neg-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a negative test for a disease or medical condition that was done in a local laboratory, but whose results have not been officially confirmed by a public health agency or organization.
2. of or relating to a preliminary test indicating the absence of a substance or pathogen, but which requires confirmation by more rigorous laboratory analysis.

noun

1. a presumptive negative test result.

Word History and Origins

Origin of presumptive negative¹

First recorded in 1905–10