HIV testing at the GP

LegacyUser

Hi

Sorry if this should be more in a "health" forum , it's just I read here often and so maybe easier to locate replies ?

I've a doctor appointment tomorrow and just wondered is there any reason not to ask your GP for a HIV test?

I got one from my previous GP maybe a yr ago but just wondered - am no where near any "STD clinics" and traveling right now would be impossible.

I have important exams next month , and not getting down to the study - made worse by feeling awful sick for the past week. I am guessing some virus as a few have been out at work - but it often crosses my mind that I used never get sick before - up to a few yrs ago never on antibiotics etc.

So i guess I'd like to put my mind at rest , including not confusing exam stress with creating anxiety about my health, and partly would be nice to start the summer with exams out of the way , and the all clear re HIV. Am in a monogomous rship since last year and think we both plan to stay that way .


I remember reading years ago about issues if your doctors record shows you went for point may not be relevant seeing as i went through the GP before

Also wonder is there a "STD screening" you can ask a GP for ? similar to the screening you would get at a clinic.


Would appreciate any replies - **** yuck (sick) and "slightly" stressing re exams and a crazy work schedule so want to do it cos I think i should every yr at least, and also to tick off one thing as OK .

Stark

You're perfectly fine in asking your GP for an STD screening.

It's probably nothing by the way. It's normal for your immune system to be weak when you're under a lot of stress.

LegacyUser

'Strange thing

Asked the doctor he added it to a list of tests to try sought out why so ill lately

(celiac disease being his guess)

But when I went to the nurse to have blood drawn she said the hospital will not do a HIV test unless there is some immediate concern - it will not run it as a routine check - she asked me what she should right on the form to encourage them to do it - i think shen went for " recent contact " in the end !!

She also said it was likely to still come back undone and woould then have to be forwarded to a private lab

dunno if its a payment thing or what - but I was very very surprised

kinda makes a joke of any campaign for HIV awareness etc - or maybe they only think you should be tested 1. if your very irresponsible and at immediate risk 2. you are conveniently located near services provided by other tan the HSE ??'

Marksie

Thats very strange that they should not offer it as testing when a doctor refers it.

You might want to talk to your doctor about it again when the results are back. Until then try not too worry too much and good luck with the exams

LegacyUser

exams over woohoo - role on the autumn repeats

test clear (as confirmed over the phone by by the doc - wonder would he of said positive over the phone? )

at very least it confirms that regarding hiv & sexual activity - abstinence (enforced or otherwise is safe) is safe

Annasopra

Actually I think that using a clinic such as the GMHP in Dublin could make a difference, because they do not keep details on your full name - therefore all of their files are "anonymous"

This means that if you are ever asked to fill out a form for insurance and are asked "have you had a hiv test" - there is no record anywhere to say that you have

Hmm_Messiah

If you consider most people - at least of aparticular age range - might be sexually active, it woud seem to me more sensible for a bias in insurance on those who have not had a hiv test.

Having to maintain your health or investigate it anonymously is a pathetic state of affairs.

damien

Sickasaparrot wrote:

But when I went to the nurse to have blood drawn she said the hospital will not do a HIV test unless there is some immediate concern

That nurse was a moron. You should report them.

If a Doctor requests it, a lab will not second guess the Doctor.

As far as I know a number is just sent to the labs too, not your name. I'd verify that with your Doctor but as far as I am aware the Doctor will not send your blood sample to the lab along with your name on privacy grounds.

Same reason an employer is not entitled to know what you were sick from, if you were out sick. None of their damned business and not their right.

Wonder would he of said positive over the phone?

No, not allowed. Unless he's as much a moron as that nurse.

Johnnymcg wrote:

Actually I think that using a clinic such as the GMHP in Dublin could make a difference, because they do not keep details on your full name - therefore all of their files are "anonymous"

I'd actually think it safer for my own health and those around me that all medical records are complete and any tests I've had are recorded and any treatments too. I think it is wiser than your GP is trusted with all details that could prove important later in life if you fall ill for some unknown reason and you are unable to fill in the blanks in your recorded medical history.

Here's an odd one. Going to an STD clinic to get tested. What percentage increase of risk is there by going to an STD clinic where there will be people with HIV, Hep B and all sorts of other ailments at some point?

This means that if you are ever asked to fill out a form for insurance and are asked "have you had a hiv test" - there is no record anywhere to say that you have

And the reasoning for that is what? You can tick the box and lie and not be caught out?

Boston

damien.m wrote:

Here's an odd one. Going to an STD clinic to get tested. What percentage increase of risk is there by going to an STD clinic where there will be people with HIV, Hep B and all sorts of other ailments at some point?

shouldn't make a difference if the clinic keeps to proper standards, why would it? Unless you see STI clinics as a cursing ground that is.

LegacyUser

damien.m wrote:

That nurse was a moron. You should report them.

If a Doctor requests it, a lab will not second guess the Doctor.

As far as I know a number is just sent to the labs too, not your name. I'd verify that with your Doctor but as far as I am aware the Doctor will not send your blood sample to the lab along with your name on privacy grounds.[\quote]

She wasn't a moron - . She said other hiv tests had been returned and had to be forwarded to another lab - I got the impression the refusal was because the tests were free - if requested and paid for there would not of been a problem. Still bizarre and moronic, but Waterford Reg. more than the nurse.

And the tests were labelled with my name and DOB - I understand all med records give two fields so a patient can be indentified , due to cock-ups in the past

markw999

I recommend the GHMP