presumptive positive

[ pri-zuhmp-tiv poz-i-tiv ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a positive 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. An individual whose test result is presumptive positive is nonetheless treated as a confirmed case as a precaution.

   They detected several presumptive positive cases of infection.

2. of or relating to a preliminary test indicating the presence of a substance or pathogen, but which requires confirmation by more rigorous laboratory analysis: A positive drug test in the workplace is usually only presumptive positive, and it requires confirmation by a laboratory before any disciplinary action would be taken against an employee.

   In testing meat for the presence of harmful salmonella bacteria, presumptive positive meat samples were cultured in a laboratory to confirm any contamination before ordering a recall from stores.

   A positive drug test in the workplace is usually only presumptive positive, and it requires confirmation by a laboratory before any disciplinary action would be taken against an employee.

noun

1. a presumptive positive test result.

Word History and Origins

Origin of presumptive positive¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The local health laboratory tested for H5N1, and the state was notified about a potential “presumptive positive” result.

From Los Angeles Times

But according to the district attorney’s office, early autopsy results showed a “presumptive positive” for cocaine and fentanyl in her system.

From Los Angeles Times

Four cases have been confirmed, and the fifth is “presumptive positive and pending confirmation at CDC.”

From Salon

Prosecutors said a rapid gunshot residue test performed after the child’s death yielded a “presumptive positive indication” of gunshot residue on his hands.

From Seattle Times

The seized drugs field-tested presumptive positive for psilocybin, police said, and a representative sample will be sent to the Oregon State Police crime lab to be confirmed.

From Seattle Times