Health questionaire question about HIV test

LegacyUser

Hey

this is a pretty small problem but just wanted to check as I'm a bit unsure.

Basically I have to fill out a health questionnaire for a college course. In it it asks if I've ever had a HIV test - which I did a couple of years ago as part of a standard STD check. Everything was fine at the time but I have since heard that with some things (like insurance policies), the fact that you've even had a HIV test goes against you, even if it is negative. So I'm wondering, do you think it would go against me for the course?

Thanks

Uriel.

unregistered wrote: »

Hey

this is a pretty small problem but just wanted to check as I'm a bit unsure.

Basically I have to fill out a health questionnaire for a college course. In it it asks if I've ever had a HIV test - which I did a couple of years ago as part of a standard STD check. Everything was fine at the time but I have since heard that with some things (like insurance policies), the fact that you've even had a HIV test goes against you, even if it is negative. So I'm wondering, do you think it would go against me for the course?

Thanks

Hi OP,

I am not sure if what am about to say is allowed (Mods do feel free to delete if appropriate).

Some Insurance policies do ask if you "have ever been tested for HIV". The vast majority however ask "Have you ever tested POSITIVE for HIV".

I have never had any particularly risky behaviour in my life but as part of good health management and looking out for myself and potential partners when it comes new relationships, I do get myself tested. However, I personally wouldn't "admit" to this on such a form. Any testing I have ever got is done privately or at Guide Clinic and your details cannot be made available to third parties.

Technically, legally, you should be truthful on all forms but this it is such a joke in this context if you ask me. It is up to you whether you decide to answer the question truthfully or not. If it was me I WOULDN'T. And it would never be an issue that the college could find out anyway.

The choice is yours though.

seamus

Seems like an odd question for a college course - is the course healthcare-related?

If so, then it would seem to me that they're more likely trying to ascertain whether they will need to test you for HIV or not. If not, then I don't see why you should answer the question.

Technically, legally, you should be truthful on all forms

Depends on why you're filling out the form tbh
You have no legal obligation to fill out a form truthfully unless the form is part of a contract and to lie would prejudice the contract being formed.

I would recommend that if the question has no relevance to your course, then simply leave it blank. If it's important, they will ask you. Then you can ask them why they want to know.
The Data Protection Act requires that anyone obtaining information about a person, must have good cause to obtain and keep that information, so if they do not have good cause, they're not entitled to know.

Seraphina

Hi OP

I work as a medical receptionist, however it is in England, so the laws may be slightly different. I deal with medical reports for insurance and legal situations a lot, and it's very unusual to be asked about STD or HIV testing, unless coverage is particularly extensive.

It really depends on the situation, and it is certainly something that is optional and you are perfectly within your rights to refuse to answer, unless they provide good cause.

If you are a healthcare professional or student, it is common to be asked about/tested for blood borne diseases that you can be vaccinated against, such as hepatitis, and obviously something like being HIV positive would have to be disclosed if you would be in situations where it could be passed on.

The thing is, it could be a perfectly innocent question, anonymously surveying students to see how aware they are about safe sex/stds. If you are concerned, I would query whoever gave you the form, why they want to know and what will be done with the information.

AnonoBoy

I remember getting a full STD check up a few years ago and I vaguely remember the doctor saying he wasn't going to put down that he'd included a HIV check on my record as some places frowned upon it.

To be honest I was still getting dressed so didn't pay much attention but I did wonder afterwards what places would see getting a test as a black mark.

Hank_Jones

That's somewhat disturbing really.
That if somebody cares about their well being enough, as well as others, they are viewed negatively.

By the replies here, I would lie and say you have never had one.
Don't want something going against you.

Quite the backwards country we live in.

Cheap Thrills!

Just lie and say no.

Think about it, why volunteer the information if you don't know what it'll be used for.

This worries me, I've had it done as part of a standard batch of tests to see why I was so run down and got sick every month. I didn't ask for it and didn't really think about it affecting anything. Surely it's only responsible to get tested and they should be doing everything they can NOT to put people off? :eek:

jessiejam

Getting tested for HIV is standard practice in maternity hospitals nowadays, so if I had to answer that question, the answer would be yes.

Whether you were tested for it shouldn't be the question, nor should it be their business. Being possitive for it though, is.

STD clinics' information is all confidential anyway so there is no trace of you ever being tested. However if it was your GP then that would go on your medical records.

I would 'question the question' before filling it out, and see how relevent to the course (you are applying for) it is.

Miss Fluff

That seems like a very intrusive question to be asking on a questionnaire to get into college OP!!

LilMrsDahamsta

I've seen questionnaires like that used for two very different purposes with regard to college entry.
One was a genuine, though ill-conceived, attempt make appropriate support services available to all incoming students. In this instance the aim was to improve the course completion rate and reduce drop-outs. Whoever designed it was well-intentioned, but failed to realise the myriad of issues the questionnaire itself would raise, including the lack of anonymity!
The second was specifically for a course regarding children, where participants would be interacting with children on a regular basis throughout the course and would then work largely unsupervised with children for the rest of their career. That questionnaire was designed to flag up anyone who while meeting the academic qualifications for the course, might lack personal suitability. It was accompanied by a Garda clearance certificate application which made the intention very clear.

My point is that if you are concerned, perhaps you could find out what the purpose of the questionnaire is. It may be nothing to worry about no matter what your answers are. If it does have the potential to result in your exclusion from the course, perhaps you could just leave it blank for the moment, which isn't lying as such, and if they come back for the answer later you can explain the situation properly to whoever contacts you, not just tick yes/no.

Bottle_of_Smoke

My GP pretty much refused to test me for it on the grounds it could affect insurance. I thought he was wrong but reading this thread it appears he made the right call.

kjl

My brother is a doctor, so before he works in a new place he gets a full blood work done, including a HIV test. So it's mandatory as part of his job, and he didn't know how to answer this either.

TBH I think it's a stupid question, because the answer makes it sound like you've done wrong even though you and my brother got it done as standard practice. So much for no more stigma about HIV. If I were you I would say no. Or post details about the college course and I will ring them and ask them how they can justify asking this question.

kjl

I just asked my father there who is a GP and he said if it was negative, then say no.

opinion guy

Yeah I don't think they should be allowed ask this question.

Besides - anyone whos given blood has been tested. Anyone who is pregnant gets tested. What is it they think they are learning by asking this question ?

Damn insurance companies. Immoral buisness if you as me (when it comes to healthcare at least)