presumptive positive
Americanadjective
-
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.
-
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
Etymology
Origin of presumptive positive
First recorded in 1910–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
British Columbia health officer Bonnie Henry said the person's test came back as a presumptive positive on Friday, meaning that it still remains to be confirmed by a national microbiology lab.
From BBC ● May 16, 2026
An announcement posted by the FDA reported a "presumptive positive microbial result" on the line where the potatoes had been processed.
From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2022
The state reported its first presumptive positive COVID-19 case a day later, on March 10.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 18, 2020
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began recommending Americans wear masks and before Michigan announced its first presumptive positive coronavirus case.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 21, 2020
New Mexico, which has six presumptive positive cases of covid-19, also acted early.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 12, 2020
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