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Testing for HIV Before Intimacy

Written by Megan on March 21, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: My boyfriend and I are ready to take our relationship to the next level. Before we become intimate, we agreed that we needed to be tested for various STDs, including HIV. Can you tell me more about the best type of HIV testing you offer?

G. Lloyd

Chicago, IL

A: It’s a very responsible and good idea to get tested when you are in a new relationship. We offer fast, private, and laboratory-based testing. A general screening with us includes a test for HIV, Type II Herpes, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea. Everything is tested with either a blood or urine sample, so there are no painful swabs or embarrassing exams.

To get tested, please call our office to find a collection site near you. We will assign you a registration number, and with that you can get collected anytime within the hours of operation. After you’ve submitted the specimens, we will return your results in about 1-3 business days. Hard copies of your results can be provided as well. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for testing, please call our office at your convenience.

Posted in HIV and AIDS, HIV Testing | Tagged HIV and AIDS, HIV Testing

HIV from Massage Parlor?

Written by Megan on March 21, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I recently went to a massage parlor for the first time, one thing led to another and I cheated on my wife. I’m terrified that I was exposed to HIV or another STD, and the last thing I want to do is pass it to her or my children. It was just oral sex, and a condom was used the whole time. What is the risk from this exposure and how do I go about testing?

A: We talk to many people in the exact situation that you have found yourself in. In most cases, everything is fine. Going outside of a relationship can cause extra stress when you are concerned about a possible exposure to HIV, but you are doing the responsible thing by addressing the risks of your activities.

Let me start by saying that oral sex, especially with a condom, is a relatively low-risk contact. HIV is not carried in saliva; therefore, your risk is reduced. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be carried orally, but condoms are extremely effective in preventing transmission of these infections. You might consider testing for herpes and syphilis in a few weeks, as these are STDs that a condom does not offer full protection against. However, if you didn’t notice any symptoms on the other party chances are you weren’t exposed.

It is understandable that you are worried, but try to take a step back from the situation. It was a good decision to use protection, and it was a low-risk contact. If you feel like testing for peace of mind, it is necessary that you wait a couple weeks before getting reliable results. Contact our office and a counselor can discuss your testing options and give you the answers you need.

Posted in HIV and AIDS, HIV Transmission | Tagged Herpes, HIV and AIDS, testing

When can HIV be Detected?

Written by Megan on March 21, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: How soon after contracting HIV can it be detected?

A: HIV can be detected through blood with various tests. The traditional HIV antibody test will provide reliable results 6 weeks after a potential exposure, and is considered conclusive 12 weeks after the exposure. 6-12 weeks can be a long time to wait, especially if you have had a known exposure to HIV. Thankfully there is early detection testing available.

PCR technology has made it possible to detect HIV within days to weeks after exposure. The HIV DNA PCR is considered conclusive at 28 days post exposure, but can provide reliable results much earlier. The test is ideal for detecting exposure via needle stick, or any other high-risk exposure to the virus. If you are concerned about a high risk exposure, or simply do not want to wait 6-12 weeks for a reliable result, you may consider the HIV DNA PCR. The cost is a little higher, but may be well worth knowing your result earlier.

Posted in HIV and AIDS, HIV DNA by PCR, HIV Testing | Tagged 28 days, detection, HIV and AIDS, HIV DNA PCR

Do I Need a Gonorrhea Test Since My Girlfriend was Tested?

Written by Megan on March 19, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I just found out that my girlfriend was tested for gonorrhea. She never told me about this and now I am worried about my health. Should I seek a gonorrhea test as soon as possible? I haven’t exhibited any abnormal symptoms.

J. Madison

Sacramento, CA

A: It is a great sign that you are not showing any symptoms; however, that does not necessarily mean that you don’t have gonorrhea. In fact, about half the time men don’t show any symptoms at all. If you believe you may have been exposed, it is important that you seek testing as soon as possible. Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause irreversible damage.

We offer private testing across the country. Simply call our office to find the most convenient collection site for you, arrange for testing, submit a urine sample, and wait for results. Results typically return in 2-3 business days, and we can help you get treatment if necessary. The testing process is easy, painless, private, and fast. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Posted in Gonorrhea | Tagged Gonorrhea Test

Is My Pre-Employment Drug Test Going to be a False Positive?

Written by Megan on March 14, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I have a pre-employment drug test coming up very soon. I’m a bit nervous about it because I’ve never been tested for drugs. I don’t use drugs, but what are the chances of getting a false positive? I really need this job and don’t want to take any chances.

S. Everson

Miami, FL

A: Times certainly are tough today and many people are in need of a job. Your concern is understandable, as is your need for employment. It is important to remember that we make every effort to prevent false positive results. Our drug testing procedure is not complicated – you submit a sample and we screen it for drugs. We use state-of-the-art screening processes to help with the detection of drugs. Also, positive results are sent through a multiple step confirmation process to eliminate false positives and legal prescriptions. In the event that you feel the results are inaccurate, the sample can always be retested in an independent lab. You have nothing to worry about as long as you have not been using drugs.

Posted in Drug Testing, False Positive/Indeterminate | Tagged pre-employment drug test

Scared of Contracting HIV

Written by Megan on March 12, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I just found out that someone I had sex with several months ago has been diagnosed with HIV. I’m very scared right now. What are the chances that I contracted this virus? Do I need to be tested even though we used a condom? Will I need to be tested for the rest of my life?

T. Terry

Newton, KS

A: These situations can be frightening, but it’s important to know that just because you slept with someone that has HIV doesn’t mean you contracted it. They may have not had it when you slept with them, and even if they did HIV is difficult to contract in most cases. The fact that you used protection also reduces the risk of transmission.

Regardless, it is important that you seek testing. If the last time you had sex with them was over three months ago a standard antibody test will provide conclusive results. If it was more recent than three months, you may consider an HIV DNA panel for early detection. We offer private and laboratory-based testing across the country. We simply assign you a registration number, you provide the blood at a local collection site, and we provide the results of your test within a few days of the collection. Our counselors are knowledgeable and friendly, and we can help you figure out what you to test for and when. Please call our office at your convenience to speak about your testing needs.

Posted in HIV and AIDS, HIV Testing, HIV Transmission | Tagged HIV DNA panel

Where Can I Get Anonymous STD Testing?

Written by Megan on March 7, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I am searching for a place where I can get anonymous STD testing. I do not want to go to my regular doctor because she has been our family doctor for years. I am afraid I might run into someone I know at her office. Do you guys offer anonymous testing?

S. Lawrence

Kansas City, KS

A: Many people are uncomfortable visiting their regular doctor for something like HIV and STD testing. We offer fast, private, laboratory-based tests at discreet collection sites. To have the testing done, we need to register you ahead of time. Once you have been registered, simply go to the collection site anytime within the hours of operation, provide the blood and/or urine sample, and then wait for results.

Posted in STD Testing | Tagged anonymous STD testing

Is a Chlamydia Test Private?

Written by Megan on March 5, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I have been thinking about having a chlamydia test performed. I’m not sure if I’ve been exposed, but I think it is a possibility. I just don’t want anyone to find out I’m being tested. Will you protect my privacy?

D. Harper

Dallas, TX

A: Your privacy is one of our main concerns. All of our testing is performed in general collection sites, so you are not visiting an STD clinic by any means. People go to our collection sites for anything from a pre-employment drug screen to a cholesterol test. We make every effort to keep the testing process private and discreet. The collection process is also fast and private – no embarrassing questionnaires to fill out and no invasive physical exams. Just check in with a registration number, provide a blood and/or urine sample, and you’re on your way. Your privacy is important to us and we will do everything possible to ensure its protection.

Posted in Chlamydia | Tagged chlamydia test

Herpes Testing after Hearing a Rumor

Written by Megan on February 28, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: My husband and I recently separated. I just discovered that he had cheated on me a few months ago. The person he was involved with is rumored to have herpes. Does this mean that I’ve been exposed to herpes? Should I have myself tested?

S. Steinman

Boise, Idaho

A: If you have recently been exposed, then yes, you need to seek herpes testing. Even though all the information you have is a rumor, you can never be too sure. It is better to be safe than sorry. While herpes often exhibits symptoms, there’s always a chance that you will not have any symptoms, or not notice symptoms, yet still carry the STD.

The benefit of testing for herpes with blood is that even if no symptoms are present, the test can still tell if you’ve been exposed. The test checks for herpes antibodies, which are present regardless of symptoms. Keep in mind that you may need to wait a while to get a reliable blood test result. Antibodies can take 6-12 weeks to develop to a detectable level. If you don’t want to wait that long, a recent-exposure herpes test can provide insight earlier on. Please call our office to discuss your testing options.

Posted in Herpes | Tagged Herpes Testing, recent-exposure herpes test

Common Questions about STD Tests

Written by Megan on February 26, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I have some questions about STD tests. How reliable are they? Is the testing process painful? How soon can I expect my results? Basically, I need to know everything you can tell me about having myself screened for various STDs.

L. Meyer

Fayetteville, Arkansas

A: You have posed some very good questions. We offer various forms of STD screening. Generally, you can expect a blood test. This will involve a technician taking a blood sample from you. While the process may be somewhat painful, it is no different from the blood samples you provide to your local physician. Our tests are very reliable, and you can normally have your results back in a matter of days. It is important to make sure you wait the appropriate amount of time after an exposure before testing to ensure reliable results. Our counselors can discuss this with you when you arrange for testing over the phone.

Posted in STD Testing | Tagged STD Testing

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Testing for HIV Before Intimacy

HIV from Massage Parlor?

When can HIV be Detected?

Do I Need a Gonorrhea Test Since My Girlfriend was Tested?

Is My Pre-Employment Drug Test Going to be a False Positive?

Scared of Contracting HIV

Where Can I Get Anonymous STD Testing?

Is a Chlamydia Test Private?

Herpes Testing after Hearing a Rumor

Common Questions about STD Tests

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