STD Testing - Where's the best?

Every two months I go to a 'Carter Blood Care' center and donate a pint. They test your blood for numerous things including std's. They give you the results for free. After you donate, they give you an i.d. number. You wait 5 days then go onlin to see the results that match your number. I am happy to say I'm hiv negative, although strangely enough, I'm more concerned about my cholesteral number than std's. When I weigh my sexual habits against my nutritional habits, I feel I'm more likely to die of a cardiovascular disorder than aids!

When I weigh my sexual habits against my nutritional habits, I feel I'm more likely to die of a cardiovascular disorder than aids! Originally Posted by garlandBone

BBBQNQNS?

http://www.aim-med.org/

this or ALTN are probably the best options for those who can't "afford" possibly being seen going in or out of the less expensive places.

There is actually no test for the presence of the HIV virus. The only test that's ever been available tests only for the antigens for the HIV virus, meaning that you were exposed at one time and created antibodies, but the virus may have been destroyed and is no longer in you.

When AIDS first exploded on the scene in the '80s there was so much hysteria about it that officials panicked and told the public that it could be transmitted from any fluid from anyone who was "HIV positive." With time this turned out to be untrue. Many people exposed are able to kill off the virus, though they are still positive for the antibodies, and are considered "positive" forever. In Africa there are women who actually carry the virus, but never develop the AIDS syndrome, and it's likely there are such people everywhere.

Not that many people really died from exposure to HIV, even before drugs were invented to counter-act it's often deadly effects. But the virus swept through the entertainment and fashion industries and several celebs croaked, including of course John Holms, my personal hero of the true eleven-inch horsemeat.

In 1991 or so Magic Johnson revealed that he was HIV+, and years thereafter it was disclosed that the virus was "undetectable" in his body, though he will always be positive for the antibody.

Waller clinic is a cheap discrete place.

There is actually no test for the presence of the HIV virus. The only test that's ever been available tests only for the antigens for the HIV virus, meaning that you were exposed at one time and created antibodies, but the virus may have been destroyed and is no longer in you. Originally Posted by honorable1

I believe you mean, "The only test that's ever been available tests only for the antiBODIES..."

There are tests for antibodies, antigens, and nucleic acid tests (NAT).

Antibody tests show antibodies, which are your body's response to an infection. Antigen tests and NAT detect the virus itself. Routine screening is probably going to be an antibody test. Donated blood gets a NAT test. NAT has replaced antigen tests in most cases.

All versions of the tests have some "window" period between exposure and test date when the tests may be negative even if you're infected. The longer between exposure and test, the less likely a false negative will be.

Wikipedia has a pretty good article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV_test

Don't confuse "confidential" and "anonymous".

"Confidential" means they know your name, but promise they won't tell anyone. "Anonymous" means they don't know your name.

If your results come back "positive," you are no longer "confidential." You will be reported to the authorities. They'll ask for names of sexual partners and will contact those partners. Pretty embarrassing if it turns out later to be a false positive or lab mistake.

Confidential also means you trust that their security is good and that the laws don't change.

Also what happens if they get a request with your authorization to tell someone your "confidential" test results? That sounds reasonable, but what if the "authorization" is a blanket authorization form you're required to sign when you apply for a job, insurance, or some other blanket authorization? Don't forget that insurance companies have been known to deny coverage to someone because they're had STD tests taken because it "indicates risky behaviour." Will a divorce court subpoena their records and find out you've been getting STD tests for use in a divorce trial?

Besides the options mentioned already, www.anylabtestnow.com has a local office. They offer next day results and it is confidential AND anonymous if you choose.
They use the same lab in Dallas that the health dept sends its samples to.

just one more option, depending on your need for privacy. Best wishes!

You can give them any name you wish, and the report will be delivered to you personally in that name. It is totally anonymous--and that is hard to find these days.

I've used tstd.org. They have several labs you can go to in Austin. Completely anonymous, results in 2 days, but a full test panel is $249.

If you're a veteran, you can get tested for free at the VA clinic on Montopolis at Oltorf. That's where I go. Monthly. Fast, easy, free. They know my real name, of course, but doesn't everybody? And, BTW,
I'm 100% clean, and as usual with everything I say,
I can prove it.

Most of the WF girls use the Waller St. County clinic. $15.
They're clean too.

Dear WF, there is nothing wrong with the Waller St clinic, but unless I am mistaken, it takes 2 weeks to get your results back. How can you know your girl is "clean" for two whole weeks while you wait for your HIV results? ~I checked last year and they were not yet offering the rapid test, 10 min results. And, of course, it is confidential, but not anonymous.

Lastly, if you test with a county clinic or PP, and are found to have an STD, you will be questioned about your potential contacts. It is a great public health program, but not so good for privacy. The goal is to get everyone treated who has been exposed, and I can't argue with that. It's good policy, but consider your own situation before you choose.

peace and love,
Crystal