Blood Tests

[mbamike]

I was chatting with a guy online a few days ago about a possible hookup. The conversation got to the point where he asked me if I will bareback. I know from previous experience that everyone will claim they are clean regardless if they have been tested recently or not. So, I asked "How do you know you are clean?" His response was "Had blood test august."

Also, I have had guys to tell me that they had a "check-up" a few months ago and everything was fine. So, what! I have an annual "check-up" too, then get tested specifically for HIV/STDs every three months in addition to my check-up!!

It is my understanding that HIV/STD tests are routinely done to protect the healthcare workers, but no information about the patient's HIV/STD status will be disclosed to the patient unless these tests were requested by the patient. On the other hand, I can not imagine a patient popping positive and the doctor not having that discussion with him/her.

Let's say a guy has a three-month check-up for his high cholesterol. Will his blood be screened for HIV/STDs also?

I think my basic questions are:

Are patients' blood routinely screened for HIV/STDs to protect the healthcare workers?

How much information can be given to a patient if he/she did not specifically request an HIV/STD screening?

What if the patient pops positive for HIV/STDs without requesting these screenings?

 

[Orlandude]

My understanding is that routine "blood work", that usually takes place as part of a regular physical exam, is NOT tested for HIV/STDS. I think you have to ask for those tests separately in a discussion with your doctor. I just know for sure that I had to ask for an HIV test. My doctor told me it was not a part of routine "blood work". HOWEVER...routine blood work MAY show some abnormalities that may trigger an inquiry by the doctor, who may suggest that you have further testing. You should discuss all this with your doctor.

 

[jbrown329]

I was tested a few months ago. I didn't ask, they asked if I'd like the test. Not that I really needed one. It's been 15yrs since I was with someone. So I definitely know that I'm clean.

 

[KaraBulut]

Are patients' blood routinely screened for HIV/STDs to protect the healthcare workers?

No.

In the US, the law varies by state. In general, we can only test a patient without their knowledge if there is an occupational exposure. For example, if a nurse has a needlestick incident from a used syringe, both the nurse and the patient will be tested for communicable diseases. This will determine whether the healthcare worker is advised to go on PEP.

How much information can be given to a patient if he/she did not specifically request an HIV/STD screening?
What if the patient pops positive for HIV/STDs without requesting these screenings?

Again, varies by state but the general guideline is "do no harm". If there is a positive test in the patient, we would recommend that the patient be treated.

 

[jbrown329]

The test I had was the Rapid HIV test. It's an oral swab and has a 99.8% accuracy rate.

 

[ollapen]

In addition to all of the above, you need to think about what a negative test result is really telling you. There are various types of tests available and each has a different 'window period' depending on what they are looking for. I can only really speak for the UK but most standard HIV tests offered are 4th generation antibody/antigen combination tests. These look for both viral proteins and antibodies specific to HIV. The general rule of thumb with these tests is that a new infection will be detected from about 2 weeks after infection on one of these tests, although it isn't until 4-6 weeks that a negative test is considered reliably negative. You can also get a Viral Load test which would detect HIV much earlier, but this tends not to be used as a diagnostic test as it doesn't give a clear negative.

So you can see that whatever some guy is telling you only really carries any weight if you happen to know the details of his recent sexual history too. I don't think many guys would be willing to share every gory detail, especially if they are looking to get their end away with you (excuse the idioms here - hope you understand). It's very unfortunate that a person is most infectious when they have very recently acquired HIV; ironically just before they will test positive on a 4th gen test.

Lastly, what is with this whole 'are you clean' terminology? IMHO it is flat out offensive to those who are HIV positive - implying that the virus makes them dirty. I'd encourage anyone who is asked that question to reframe it and indoing so make an attempt to educate the asker at the same time.
Happy hunting.

 

[RaKroma]

No, a routine blood-test does not include a screen for HIV or other STIs including Hepatitis unless you request it. Even if someone was tested in August for HIV and they're open to barebacking with a stranger, the next question in the dialogue should be " have you barebacked since your test; with how many partners" etc... Routine HIV screening is not a guarantee that a person will remain negative if they casually bareback between these tests.
I chuckle at guys who post on their profiles " Clean/Neg as of / / /" and then they push barebacking idea on to you. This group needs to be on prEP otherwise it's just gambling with health.