A serious question: Have YOU been tested?

[SummerChild]

Deltabrat, do you have any further details on the test that gives results in 20 minutes. Is it accurate? Can it be taken at any doctor's office or is it only available in certain locales?

SC

Originally posted by DELTABRAT
The FDA also has recently approved a rapid HIV test that is a finger prick test. Results in 20 minutes. Hmmm...I think it will have interesting implications for testers as well as the counselors responsible for disclosing results.

w/ the herpes situation, you have to specifically ask for a test...period. It is not carried in fluids so the usual ways of testing don't work. A lot of times, a health professional can do a visual and follow it up with a blood test.

The info on HPV folks gave is on point. If someone has it, they can have them removed (cauterization, laser therapy or cryotherapy (freezing)) as well but the virus will always be in the body so recurrent outbreaks can be an issue.

[BabyBlue91]

Indirectly, yes. I am a frequent blood donor, and before they pass on your donation, it is tested for HIV, herpes and hepatits B (there may be others but I'm not sure what). So I'm tested approximately 6 times a year (you are only allowed to donate once every 8 weeks).

[ykimber]

I have been tested twice. The most recent was about a little over 2 years ago. It is a mandatory test to run when you are pregnant. Both test came back negative. Even though I know I was "fine" I was still scared. I didn't want to call for the results.

[honeychile]

Please forgive me for crashing, but I'd like to share my story.

I had a gynie appointment soon after leaving my ex-husband, and she suggested that I get a full work up, just in case. No problem, I'd rather know myself. So, she gave me a prescription and sent me to a lab a few blocks away.

The lab was packed with people, and the receptionist/nurse sat behind one of those bank-like windows that had a half-circle at the bottom. I slid my script under it, and this woman looked at it for a moment, then bellowed, "I CAN SEE THAT YOU NEED A CHEM PANEL AND A PREGNANCY TEST, BUT WHAT'S THIS HIV TEST?"

I mouthed, "AIDS." She bellowed even louder, "SPEAK UP, SWEETIE. WHAT DOES THIS HIV TEST FOR?" I looked around, and of course, everyone is looking at me by now. I said quietly, "AIDS!" Once more, she yelled, "I CAN'T TEST YOU UNLESS I KNOW WHAT IT'S FOR - WHAT'S THIS HIV?" I took the darn script from her, wrote "AIDS" on it, and she then yelled, "OOOHHH!! AIDS!!!! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO?"

I could have died. Thankfully, she took me right then, instead of making me sit with the other people - and then gossiped about several prominent people who came to her office monthly for the test.

I can laugh about this now, but at the time, I was furious! I did call my gynie to make sure she knew what was happening at that lab - which she no longer uses!

Thank the Lord, everything was negative...

[OrangeMoon]

Yes, I have been tested for HIV. About, two years ago someone I loved and trusted violated me in every since of the word. So for the New Year I phoned an ex-coworker whom works at a health center and asked her about the procedure, what exchange of information was involved and when should one expect to get results. After she answered my questions I walked in and had the testing done. I am so relieved the test results were negative and would recommend the testing center to anyone who does not want to feel like an experiment or as if they are being “talked at.” The gentleman whom did the testing was very professional and he shared information with me that was scary yet helpful. The environment, professional attitude and education should be considered when choosing a health center.

[SummerChild]

I posted this a few messages ago but maybe it got lost in the shuffle. Does anyone know about the test that you can get results for in 20 minutes?

SC

Originally posted by OrangeMoon
Yes, I have been tested for HIV. About, two years ago someone I loved and trusted violated me in every since of the word. So for the New Year I phoned an ex-coworker whom works at a health center and asked her about the procedure, what exchange of information was involved and when should one expect to get results. After she answered my questions I walked in and had the testing done. I am so relieved the test results were negative and would recommend the testing center to anyone who does not want to feel like an experiment or as if they are being “talked at.” The gentleman whom did the testing was very professional and he shared information with me that was scary yet helpful. The environment, professional attitude and education should be considered when choosing a health center.

[OrangeMoon]

I just heard about the rapid test, but the health center does not offer it as of yet. I did find this FDA Press Release

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by OrangeMoon
I just heard about the rapid test, but the health center does not offer it as of yet. I did find this FDA Press Release

If there are AIDS Service Organizations in your area (ASOs)--nonprofits who provide prevention, awareness, and direct services about HIV/AIDS--they may have the test.

[OrangeMoon]

In addition also go to www.HIVtest.org you can search you area and it breaks the type of services offered down by health center.

[SummerChild]

Thanks for the information. I guess that that's the test that I took when I applied for insurance. I wasn't aware that the results came back so quickly.
SC

Originally posted by OrangeMoon
I just heard about the rapid test, but the health center does not offer it as of yet. I did find this FDA Press Release

[SummerChild]

Thanks Ladygreek,
SC

Originally posted by ladygreek
If there are AIDS Service Organizations in your area (ASOs)--nonprofits who provide prevention, awareness, and direct services about HIV/AIDS--they may have the test.