What does the term 'presumptive' indicate in a laboratory report?

The term 'presumptive' in a laboratory report indicates that the findings suggest a possible result based on initial tests but do not provide definitive proof. This means that while there is enough evidence to suspect the presence of a particular organism or condition, further testing and confirmation are necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis. This cautious interpretation is important in clinical settings where treatment plans or further investigations depend on the certainty of the diagnosis. It acknowledges the preliminary nature of the results and the need for additional confirmatory tests to solidify the diagnosis before any actions are taken.