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Nervous about a Hair Follicle Test
Q: I have been asked to submit to a hair follicle drug test for my job. I have never had to take a hair follicle test before, and I’m a little bit nervous. I don’t have a high threshold for pain, and I don’t want to be left with a bald spot. Can you please […]
Are These Symptoms of Chlamydia?
Q: I am a 23-year-old female, and I have been experiencing back pain and abnormal discharge. I had unprotected sex several weeks ago. I have been doing some research, and I’m afraid I might have an STD. Does this sound like symptoms of chlamydia? L. Powell Richmond, VA A: The symptoms you mentioned do fall […]
STD Testing for Sexually Active Teen
Q: I just found out that my teen daughter is sexually active. Do I need to schedule her for STD testing? She says she has always used protection, but I’m not so sure. G. Brigade Amarillo, TX A: Using protection greatly reduces her risk of contracting an STD; however, it is certainly not 100 percent […]
Occupational Exposure to HIV
Q: I believe I had an occupational exposure to HIV recently, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to test yet. I’ve heard that you have to wait 3-6 months for a reliable HIV test, is this true? Are there any other options? A: If you believe that you may have been exposed to HIV, […]
Best Test for HIV?
Q: I recently had a test done, but I want to be a hundred percent sure that my results are accurate. What is the best blood test for the HIV virus? A: There are multiple tests that can be used to test for HIV, and depending on your situation one test may be better than […]
Who is at Risk for HIV?
Q: Can you tell me who is at risk for HIV? I’ve been associating with certain people that I’m concerned may be infected and I’m worried that I can contract it from them. Can you tell me what/who I should be worried about? A: The truthful answer is that everyone is at risk for HIV, […]
Protection or Not, Testing is a Good Idea
Q: I have only been sexually active for about six months. There was one incident in which protection was not used. Should I seek testing for STDs? B. Case Tampa, FL A: If you have had unprotected sex it is a good idea to seek testing, even if you don’t show any noticeable symptoms. Many […]
Is an HIV PCR Test Suitable for Children?
Q: My partner was recently diagnosed with HIV – and she just had a baby two months ago. I’ve been doing some research and would like to know more about your HIV PCR test. Is it a suitable form of testing for a baby? W. Hallows Boulder, CO A: The HIV PCR test is definitely […]
When Is HIV Detectable in Blood?
Q: I had an HIV blood test done with my doctor a few weeks ago, and everything came back negative. I’ve been reading about window periods online and now I’m concerned that I tested too early. When is HIV detectable in the blood? A: Your doctor could have run a couple different types of tests, […]
Post Exposure Prophylaxis After Exposure
Q: I think that I had an exposure to HIV, where can I get Post Exposure Prophylaxis? A: Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can usually be found through your local emergency room (ER). However, it is not something that doctors are willing to give to just anyone. Generally it is reserved for people that have had […]
