What Happens After a Lie Detector Test? Understanding Your Results and Next Steps

For many people, the anxiety surrounding a polygraph examination is not only about the test itself — it is about what comes afterwards. What will the examiner say? What do the results actually mean? Who will see the report? And what happens next? This article explains every stage of the post-examination process, from the moment the sensors are removed to the delivery of the written report and the practical next steps that follow.

Introduction

If you are considering a polygraph examination, or if one has been arranged on your behalf by a solicitor, therapist, employer, or probation officer, it is entirely natural to wonder what happens after the examination is complete. The test itself is only one part of a carefully structured professional process.

Understanding the post-test process can significantly reduce apprehension. There is nothing mysterious or unpredictable about what happens after a polygraph examination — it follows a clear, structured sequence. This article sets out that sequence in detail, covering the immediate post-test discussion, the meaning of result categories, the written report, confidentiality protections, and practical guidance for different outcomes.

If you have not yet attended your examination, you may also find it helpful to read our guide on how to prepare for a polygraph examination.

Immediately After the Examination: What Happens in the Room

Once the final chart has been recorded, the examiner will carefully remove the sensors. The pneumograph tubes around the chest and abdomen, the electrodermal sensors on the fingers, and the blood pressure cuff on the arm are all removed gently and without discomfort. You will be able to move freely, stretch, and relax.

In most cases, there will then be a brief pause while the examiner reviews the physiological data. This is a normal and necessary step — the examiner needs to assess the quality of the recorded charts before providing any preliminary feedback. Depending on the complexity of the examination and the scoring method used, this review may take a few minutes.

It is important to understand that the examiner is not simply looking at the charts and making a snap judgement. Professional polygraph scoring involves a systematic comparison of physiological responses across different question categories, using validated numerical methods. The examiner is applying a structured analytical process, not relying on subjective impression.

During this brief review period, you may feel a mixture of emotions — relief that the examination is over, curiosity about the outcome, or lingering tension. All of these responses are normal. The examiner understands that this is an emotionally significant moment and will conduct the remainder of the session with appropriate sensitivity.

The Post-Test Discussion

Once the examiner has completed a preliminary review of the data, a post-test discussion usually follows. The nature and depth of this discussion varies depending on the context of the examination, the referral source, and the specific circumstances of the case.

In many domestic and relationship-focused examinations, the examiner will provide a preliminary verbal indication of the result during this post-test conversation. This is typically a straightforward explanation of what the data shows, framed in professional language.

In therapeutic or forensic settings — such as disclosure or maintenance examinations conducted as part of a treatment programme — the post-test discussion may be more nuanced. The examiner may explore specific areas where the physiological data warrants further clarification, and may invite the examinee to comment on any aspect of the process or the questions.

What the Examiner Will and Will Not Say

A professional examiner will:

Explain the result clearly — using appropriate professional terminology, not vague or evasive language.
Avoid making accusations — the polygraph measures physiological responses, it does not prove or disprove specific allegations.
Provide context — explaining what the result means within the limitations of the examination.
Answer your questions — about the process, the data, or the next steps.
Not pressure you into admissions — a professional post-test interview is not an interrogation.

It is worth noting that the informal terms “pass” and “fail” are widely used in everyday language but are not technically accurate. Professional examiners use specific result categories, which are explained in detail below.

Understanding the Result Categories

A polygraph examination produces one of several possible outcomes. These are not simple pass/fail verdicts — they are professional classifications based on the systematic analysis of physiological data. Understanding what each category means can help you process the result with greater clarity.

No Significant Response (NSR)

An NSR result indicates that no significant physiological responses were observed in relation to the relevant questions. In everyday terms, this is sometimes described as “passing” the examination.

An NSR result means that the physiological data is consistent with truthful responding to the questions that were asked. It does not guarantee truthfulness in an absolute sense — no psychophysiological test can do that — but it provides structured, professionally interpreted evidence that the examinee’s physiological responses were not consistent with deception on the specific questions tested.

For many people, an NSR result provides significant relief and can be an important step in rebuilding trust in a relationship, supporting a legal position, or confirming honesty within a therapeutic or accountability framework.

Significant Response (SR)

An SR result indicates that significant physiological responses were observed in relation to one or more of the relevant questions. This is sometimes colloquially referred to as “failing” the examination, though that term oversimplifies what the data actually shows.

An SR result means that the physiological data is consistent with deceptive responding. It does not, however, constitute proof of deception, and it should not be treated as a verdict of guilt. It is one piece of structured information that should be considered alongside other evidence, context, and professional judgement.

If an SR result is obtained, the examiner may — depending on the context — invite the examinee to comment on the result during the post-test discussion. This is an opportunity, not a requirement. There is no obligation to make any statement, and any post-test conversation should be conducted without pressure or coercion.

Inconclusive (INC)

An inconclusive result means that the physiological data did not clearly support either a truthful or a deceptive interpretation. The data was insufficient to reach a professional conclusion in either direction.

An inconclusive result does not mean the examinee was being evasive, dishonest, or uncooperative. There are several legitimate reasons why an examination may produce an inconclusive outcome:

Physiological reactivity — some individuals produce physiological patterns that are difficult to differentiate between question categories, regardless of whether they are telling the truth.
General arousal — high levels of generalised anxiety or emotional distress may produce elevated responses across all question types, making comparison difficult.
Medical or pharmacological factors — certain medications, health conditions, or physiological states may affect the clarity of the recorded data.
Environmental factors — disruptions, noise, or other environmental variables during the examination may affect data quality.
Question clarity — in rare cases, residual ambiguity in the question wording may contribute to unclear physiological patterns.

An inconclusive result is not a negative outcome. It simply means that the data did not permit a definitive professional interpretation. In some cases, a re-examination may be offered or recommended, depending on the circumstances and the referral context.

No Opinion (NO)

A No Opinion result is less common and is typically issued when the examiner determines that the examination data cannot be reliably interpreted. This may occur when:

Data quality was compromised by artefacts, movement, or equipment issues.
The examinee’s physiological state was unsuitable for a valid comparison (for example, due to extreme fatigue, illness, or acute psychological distress).
Suspected countermeasure activity was identified, rendering the data unreliable.
Insufficient charts were collected to permit a valid analysis.

A No Opinion result means the examiner has determined that it would be professionally irresponsible to offer an interpretation of the data. It is, in essence, a recognition that the conditions for a valid examination were not met. This is a responsible professional judgement, not a failure of the process.

The Written Report

Following the examination, the examiner produces a formal written report. This is the official record of the examination and its findings. The verbal post-test discussion is a preliminary indication; the written report is the substantive professional document.

What the Report Contains

A professionally prepared polygraph report typically includes:

Background and referral information — the reason for the examination, who requested it, and the relevant context.
Pre-test interview summary — a summary of the pre-test discussion, including any relevant disclosures made by the examinee.
Test format and methodology — the specific testing technique used (for example, the Comparison Question Test or a screening format), the scoring method employed, and any relevant procedural details.
The questions asked — a full list of the questions presented during the examination, including relevant, comparison, and irrelevant questions.
The professional result — the examiner’s interpretation of the data, expressed as one of the result categories described above.
Examiner qualifications — the examiner’s professional credentials, training, and affiliations.
Any additional observations — including, where appropriate, notes on the examinee’s demeanour, cooperation, and any factors that may have affected the examination.

In some contexts, particularly in screening or risk-banded reporting frameworks, the report may also include additional analytical detail, such as statistical confidence levels or risk band classifications.

When the Report Is Delivered

In most cases, a written report is delivered within a few working days of the examination. The precise timeframe depends on the complexity of the case, the reporting requirements, and the referral context. Some reports may be available within 24 to 48 hours; others, particularly those prepared for legal proceedings or multi-agency contexts, may take longer due to the level of detail and review required.

If you require a report by a specific date — for example, to submit to a court, a solicitor, or a treatment provider — it is advisable to discuss this with the examiner or the Centre before the examination takes place.

Who Receives the Report

The distribution of the report depends on who commissioned the examination and the consent arrangements agreed before testing:

Self-referred examinations — if you arranged the examination yourself, the report is provided to you. You decide whether and with whom to share it.
Solicitor-instructed examinations — the report is typically provided to the instructing solicitor, in accordance with legal privilege protocols.
Therapist-referred examinations — the report is usually provided to the referring therapist or treatment provider, with the examinee’s informed consent.
Employer or corporate-instructed examinations — the report is provided to the commissioning organisation, in accordance with the terms agreed before the examination.
Probation or statutory referrals — the report is provided to the referring agency as required by the relevant statutory framework.

In all cases, the consent and distribution arrangements should be clearly explained and agreed before the examination takes place. If you are unsure who will receive the report, ask the examiner or the referring professional before you attend.

Reporting Styles for Different Contexts

Not all polygraph reports look the same. The format, tone, and level of detail vary depending on the context in which the examination was conducted.

Domestic and Relationship Examinations

Reports for domestic or relationship-focused examinations tend to be concise and clearly written. They set out the questions asked, the result, and any relevant observations. The language is accessible and avoids unnecessary jargon, because the primary audience is typically the couple or family involved, not a panel of legal or clinical professionals.

Therapeutic and Accountability Examinations

Reports prepared within a therapeutic context — such as disclosure or maintenance examinations for individuals engaged in treatment for problematic sexual behaviour — are usually more detailed. They may include observations about the pre-test interview, any disclosures made during the session, and recommendations for the treatment provider. These reports are written with the expectation that they will be discussed within a therapeutic framework, alongside the client’s treatment plan.

Legal and Forensic Reports

Reports prepared for solicitors, barristers, or court proceedings are typically the most detailed. They include comprehensive information about the methodology, the scoring system, the examiner’s qualifications, and the basis for the professional opinion. These reports are structured to withstand scrutiny and to provide a clear, reasoned account of the examination and its findings.

Corporate and Employment Reports

Reports for corporate or employment-related examinations are professional and focused. They set out the scope of the examination, the questions asked, and the result, without disclosing personal or irrelevant information. These reports are typically tailored to the specific concerns raised by the commissioning organisation — for example, allegations of theft, fraud, or policy violations.

Processing the Result: Emotional Impact

Regardless of the outcome, a polygraph examination is an emotionally significant event. It is important to acknowledge and process the feelings that follow — whether the result is what you expected or not.

If the Result Supports Truthfulness (NSR)

An NSR result can bring considerable relief, particularly for individuals who have been under suspicion, facing allegations, or struggling to have their honesty accepted by others. However, it is important to recognise that a polygraph result alone may not immediately resolve the underlying relationship, legal, or professional issue. Trust is rebuilt over time, not in a single moment.

If you have been asked to take a polygraph by a partner, employer, or legal representative, the NSR result may serve as a starting point for deeper conversations about trust, communication, and the future. It provides evidence, but it does not do the relational or emotional work that may still be needed.

If the Result Indicates Deception (SR)

An SR result can be distressing, whether or not the examinee agrees with the interpretation. If you believe the result does not accurately reflect your truthfulness, it is important to understand that a polygraph result is one piece of information, not a definitive verdict. You have the right to seek a second opinion, to discuss the result with a solicitor or therapist, and to consider whether a re-examination may be appropriate.

If the SR result reflects genuine deception, the post-test period may be an opportunity to consider disclosure, accountability, and next steps. In therapeutic contexts, an SR result is not treated as a punishment — it is treated as information that can inform the treatment process. In relationship contexts, honesty after the examination may be as important as the examination itself.

If the Result Is Inconclusive

An inconclusive result can be particularly frustrating, because it does not provide the clarity that either the examinee or the requesting party was hoping for. It is important to understand that an inconclusive result is not a reflection of dishonesty, evasiveness, or lack of cooperation. It simply means the physiological data was not sufficiently clear to support a definitive conclusion.

If you receive an inconclusive result, the examiner should explain why the data was insufficient and whether a re-examination might be appropriate. In some cases, factors such as anxiety, medication, or environmental conditions may have contributed, and these may be addressed before a subsequent examination.

Seeking Support

If you find the post-test period emotionally difficult — regardless of the result — consider speaking with a therapist, counsellor, or trusted professional. The polygraph examination is a data-gathering exercise, but the emotional context in which it takes place is deeply personal. There is no weakness in seeking support after an examination, and no result should be treated as the sole determinant of your character, your relationship, or your future.

Next Steps for Different Outcomes

The practical next steps after a polygraph examination depend on the result and the context in which the examination was conducted.

After an NSR (Truthful) Result

Share the report — if appropriate, provide the written report to the person or organisation that requested the examination.
Use the result constructively — in relationship contexts, use the result as a foundation for rebuilding trust, not as a weapon or a point of superiority.
Continue any ongoing processes — if the examination was part of a legal case, therapeutic programme, or employment investigation, discuss the next steps with your solicitor, therapist, or employer.
Understand the limitations — an NSR result supports your position, but it is not a guarantee. Other parties may still have questions or concerns, and the result should be considered in context.

After an SR (Deception Indicated) Result

Seek professional advice — if the examination was conducted for legal purposes, speak with your solicitor about the implications and your options.
Consider disclosure — if the result reflects genuine deception, the post-test period may be an appropriate time to consider honest disclosure, particularly in therapeutic or relationship contexts.
Discuss with your therapist — in treatment settings, the SR result will typically be integrated into the therapeutic process. It is not a termination point; it is a data point.
Consider a re-examination — in some circumstances, a second examination may be appropriate, particularly if you believe that specific factors may have affected the result.

After an Inconclusive Result

Discuss with the examiner — ask the examiner to explain why the result was inconclusive and what factors may have contributed.
Consider re-testing — in many cases, a re-examination can be arranged after a suitable interval, particularly if the inconclusive result was influenced by identifiable factors such as medication, anxiety, or environmental disruption.
Do not catastrophise — an inconclusive result is not a negative finding. It is an absence of a definitive finding, and it should be treated as such by all parties.

Re-Testing: When It Is Appropriate and When It Is Not

Re-testing — conducting a second polygraph examination on the same issue — is sometimes appropriate, but it should not be pursued automatically or without careful consideration.

When Re-Testing May Be Appropriate

The initial result was inconclusive, and identifiable factors (such as medication effects, extreme anxiety, or environmental disruption) can be addressed before the second examination.
There is a legitimate clinical or professional reason to re-examine, and sufficient time has elapsed between examinations.
The examinee requests re-testing and the examiner considers it clinically and professionally appropriate.

When Re-Testing May Not Be Appropriate

“Test shopping” — repeatedly taking examinations with different examiners until a desired result is obtained — is not appropriate and is considered professionally and ethically problematic.
If the initial examination was conducted properly and the result was clear (either NSR or SR), re-testing on the same issue without a specific, justified reason is generally not recommended.
If the examinee is in acute psychological distress, re-testing should be postponed until they are in a suitable state to participate fully.

The decision to re-test should be made in consultation with the examiner and, where relevant, the referring professional (solicitor, therapist, or employer). It should be based on professional judgement, not on a desire to override an unwelcome result.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Polygraph examinations involve the collection of sensitive personal data, and the Centre takes its obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 seriously.

What Data Is Collected

During a polygraph examination, the following data may be collected:

Personal information provided by the examinee (name, contact details, relevant background information).
Physiological data recorded during the examination (breathing, electrodermal activity, cardiovascular activity).
Audio or video recordings, where consent has been obtained and the recording is justified.
Notes from the pre-test and post-test interviews.
The written examination report.

How Data Is Stored and Protected

All examination data is stored securely in accordance with the Centre’s data protection policies. Access to examination data is restricted to authorised personnel, and data is retained only for as long as is necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. The Centre’s full data handling practices are set out in the privacy policy.

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

Request access to the personal data held about you.
Request correction of inaccurate data.
Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances.
Withdraw consent for data processing, where consent was the lawful basis for collection.

If you have questions about how your data is handled, or if you wish to exercise any of your data protection rights, you are welcome to contact the Centre directly.

A Note on Professional Standards

The post-test process described in this article reflects the standards and practices of a professionally conducted polygraph examination. Not all polygraph providers operate to the same standard. When choosing an examiner, it is important to consider their qualifications, professional affiliations, adherence to recognised testing protocols, and the quality of their reporting.

The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience follows the standards set by the American Polygraph Association and operates within a framework informed by psychological science, ethical practice, and regulatory compliance. Every examination is conducted with the expectation that the process, the data, and the report could be subject to professional review or scrutiny.

Summary

Understanding what happens after a polygraph examination removes much of the uncertainty that can make the prospect of testing feel daunting. The key points are:

Sensors are removed — gently and without discomfort, immediately after the final chart is recorded.
The examiner reviews the data — using a structured, validated scoring method, not intuition or guesswork.
A post-test discussion takes place — the examiner explains the preliminary result and answers your questions.
The result falls into one of several categories — No Significant Response, Significant Response, Inconclusive, or No Opinion — each with a specific professional meaning.
A written report is produced — typically within a few working days, tailored to the context and audience.
Confidentiality is maintained — your data is handled in accordance with UK data protection law and the Centre’s privacy policy.
Next steps depend on the result and the context — whether the examination was for a relationship, a legal case, a treatment programme, or an employment matter.

A polygraph examination is a professional procedure with a structured beginning, middle, and end. The post-test phase is as carefully managed as the examination itself. There should be no surprises, no hidden processes, and no unanswered questions.

If you have further questions about the polygraph process, or if you would like to understand more about how polygraph examinations work, our detailed guide on how a lie detector works provides a comprehensive explanation of the science, the methodology, and the professional framework.

This article is provided for general information only. A polygraph examination is not a guarantee of truthfulness, a diagnosis, or a legal verdict. Results should be interpreted cautiously and in context. Where there are legal, medical, or safeguarding concerns, appropriate professional advice should be sought independently.

Dr Keith Ashcroft is a Chartered Psychologist, polygraph examiner, and member of the American Polygraph Association at the Centre for Forensic Neuroscience. To discuss the polygraph process or to arrange a confidential examination, contact the Centre.