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GUM CLINIC TEST PROCEDURE
Hi,
Can anyone from UK tell me, what type of Test does GUM Clinic follows?? There are some GUM Clinics offering Rapid HIV Test are this Tests reliable?? Just also wanted to know the differnce betweed HIV DUO Test & Elisa Test, which is more reliable and which are the Tests Approved by FDA.
Kindly let me know, based on your replies I would get Tested at GUM Clinic
Can anyone from UK tell me, what type of Test does GUM Clinic follows?? There are some GUM Clinics offering Rapid HIV Test are this Tests reliable?? Just also wanted to know the differnce betweed HIV DUO Test & Elisa Test, which is more reliable and which are the Tests Approved by FDA.
Kindly let me know, based on your replies I would get Tested at GUM Clinic
The best way to get help is to go to the Community page and use the "post a question" button to start your own thread:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/HIV-Prevention/show/79
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/HIV-Prevention/show/79
A couple of years ago I had my finger cut on a needle in year 2000 and got a bug from eating food in turkey, but could not go to the doctor to get tested because the insurance company's back then said it would be on my file and having problems taking out a loan to buy a house.
I also HIV myths about it links with autoimmune which I just got 7 years later where my skin change colour to do with vitiligo.
I went along to the new clinic in town of exeter and was giving a hiv test, they put a large needle in my arm and I was done for the day and they said come back in a weeks time. I rang them up and went through my results and had past every other one and she said "at last the result that you have been waiting for the HIV test" and she said well that is fine also and nothing to worry about.
I also HIV myths about it links with autoimmune which I just got 7 years later where my skin change colour to do with vitiligo.
I went along to the new clinic in town of exeter and was giving a hiv test, they put a large needle in my arm and I was done for the day and they said come back in a weeks time. I rang them up and went through my results and had past every other one and she said "at last the result that you have been waiting for the HIV test" and she said well that is fine also and nothing to worry about.
* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusive negative results or a no-risk situation will be based up the criteria MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
* After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
* Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
* Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.
MOVE ON.
* After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
* Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
* Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.
MOVE ON.
Lizzie,
I would like to take the last advice and will move on with my life forever. Do I need further testing after 6 months or not?? Please do clarify which would keep my mind of ease.
Are my Test Results are conclusive at 14 weeks??
I would like to take the last advice and will move on with my life forever. Do I need further testing after 6 months or not?? Please do clarify which would keep my mind of ease.
Are my Test Results are conclusive at 14 weeks??
"I guees I need a professional mental Help, which i would go and see an Specialist, who could deal with my problem."
really?????
really?????
Lizzie,
Thanks for that, but I have some symptoms like a node, which I cant say as Lymphnode, but it is swollen at back of my neck, I have seen doctor and she said It is not Lymph node and still there is white coating on the tounge which doesnt goes off for some reasons. and my Head feels heavy always..
This is keeping me always thinking of HIV..But my doctor has said Its conclusive and I should not bother about this anymore..but my anxcitey is still killing me.
I guees I need a professional mental Help, which i would go and see an Specialist, who could deal with my problem.
Thanks for that, but I have some symptoms like a node, which I cant say as Lymphnode, but it is swollen at back of my neck, I have seen doctor and she said It is not Lymph node and still there is white coating on the tounge which doesnt goes off for some reasons. and my Head feels heavy always..
This is keeping me always thinking of HIV..But my doctor has said Its conclusive and I should not bother about this anymore..but my anxcitey is still killing me.
I guees I need a professional mental Help, which i would go and see an Specialist, who could deal with my problem.
why would you ask if you need a 6 month test?????? you didnt need the 14 week test!!!!
Dear Frank,Teak,Lizzie,and all other friends,
Thanks for your all support
I Just wanted to inform you all that my results at 14 weeks is HIV Negative. which I have tested at GUM Clinic in UK...I am happy for my results and excited.. A last question here do I still need to be tested at 6 months mark or It is conclusive for me.
Can I move on live my life happy for ever...I have learnt from my mistakes and would not repeate atleast in this life.
Can I belive the Test results from GUM Clinic are accurate?? I belive I have tested for p24 antigen+ antibodies and results are HIV Negative.
Thanks for your all support
I Just wanted to inform you all that my results at 14 weeks is HIV Negative. which I have tested at GUM Clinic in UK...I am happy for my results and excited.. A last question here do I still need to be tested at 6 months mark or It is conclusive for me.
Can I move on live my life happy for ever...I have learnt from my mistakes and would not repeate atleast in this life.
Can I belive the Test results from GUM Clinic are accurate?? I belive I have tested for p24 antigen+ antibodies and results are HIV Negative.
Thanks Frank for the Lenghthy explnation taking your all time to answer my worries.
Worried 321.
Firstly I don't live in London but I know London well, which is why I picked up your thread. I know both the private clinics you mention though but I felt it is off-topic to recommend either clinic or an NHS clinic.
Secondly I answered your question on the difference between DUO and ELISA (there isn't one essentially they are all of a generic category off tests) so repeating the question will not make there a difference between the tests. You don't really need to know whether a test works on Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay or Enzyme Linked Fluorescence Assay anyway.
You don't really need to know whether a test is 3rd or 4th generation either. 4th gen is the same as a 3rd gen with an Antigen detection channel added in. They don't even appear to sell 3rd generation HIV reagent strips anymore, so a comparison is pointless
I don't see why it is imperative you know the 'reliability' of the tests in order to plan a visit (for a non risk). Whether it is 1% or five 9s 'reliability' is neither here nor there 1% of zero is zero 5 9s of zero is still zero.
What is of importance if you had a risk (which you didn't from your report) is to test at least 12 weeks after a risk for a conclusive result. It's as simple as that. 'Reliability' is in the region of 99.9% at 12 weeks with all tests used in the UK.
As Lizzie has already written you do not need to test over this exposure. If you want to go for a screening, fine, it is recommended all sexually active people test once a year or so for HIV/STI as part of regular health screening but you do not need to test following this non-risk encounter
The NHS clinics, Freedomhealth would all recommend you do not need another test as you had protected sex. The NHS clinics would refuse to test you as it wastes their resources and Freedomhealth wouldn't necessarily test you over this non risk because it wastes your money (and your blood).
It reads like you are poking at the back of your head. I think the Doctors at any clinic would attribute the 'node' at the back of your head to poking about. Stop it.
Your symptoms do not sound like ARS anyway. If they are bothersome see your GP and not a sexual health clinic. I can't answer any more questions on this.
I think you are fine.
Best wishes
Firstly I don't live in London but I know London well, which is why I picked up your thread. I know both the private clinics you mention though but I felt it is off-topic to recommend either clinic or an NHS clinic.
Secondly I answered your question on the difference between DUO and ELISA (there isn't one essentially they are all of a generic category off tests) so repeating the question will not make there a difference between the tests. You don't really need to know whether a test works on Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay or Enzyme Linked Fluorescence Assay anyway.
You don't really need to know whether a test is 3rd or 4th generation either. 4th gen is the same as a 3rd gen with an Antigen detection channel added in. They don't even appear to sell 3rd generation HIV reagent strips anymore, so a comparison is pointless
I don't see why it is imperative you know the 'reliability' of the tests in order to plan a visit (for a non risk). Whether it is 1% or five 9s 'reliability' is neither here nor there 1% of zero is zero 5 9s of zero is still zero.
What is of importance if you had a risk (which you didn't from your report) is to test at least 12 weeks after a risk for a conclusive result. It's as simple as that. 'Reliability' is in the region of 99.9% at 12 weeks with all tests used in the UK.
As Lizzie has already written you do not need to test over this exposure. If you want to go for a screening, fine, it is recommended all sexually active people test once a year or so for HIV/STI as part of regular health screening but you do not need to test following this non-risk encounter
The NHS clinics, Freedomhealth would all recommend you do not need another test as you had protected sex. The NHS clinics would refuse to test you as it wastes their resources and Freedomhealth wouldn't necessarily test you over this non risk because it wastes your money (and your blood).
It reads like you are poking at the back of your head. I think the Doctors at any clinic would attribute the 'node' at the back of your head to poking about. Stop it.
Your symptoms do not sound like ARS anyway. If they are bothersome see your GP and not a sexual health clinic. I can't answer any more questions on this.
I think you are fine.
Best wishes
* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusive negative results or a no-risk situation will be based up the criteria MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
* After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
* Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
* Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.
* After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
* Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
* Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.
LIZZIE,
I have read there are some chances of getting Infected with HIV though you had Protected sex. I have allthe symptoms of HIV right from Sore Throat, Diarhea, Fever,Muscle Pain, white Tougne, sinusities, tonsilities and 2 days back I feel a node at my back of Neck..which I feel it as Lymph node, will get confirmed from doctor anyways but, Please If you could let me know the reliability of HIV DUO test then accordingly i could Plan for my testing.
I have read there are some chances of getting Infected with HIV though you had Protected sex. I have allthe symptoms of HIV right from Sore Throat, Diarhea, Fever,Muscle Pain, white Tougne, sinusities, tonsilities and 2 days back I feel a node at my back of Neck..which I feel it as Lymph node, will get confirmed from doctor anyways but, Please If you could let me know the reliability of HIV DUO test then accordingly i could Plan for my testing.
i've got some advice for ya...move on...you had PROTECTED SEX!!! take your concerns to the anxiety forum...this is a hiv forum and you do NOT have a hiv concern. period!
Dear Nursegirl,
Could you let me know your thoughts Please?? I need to know the reliability of HIV DUO test against Elisa Test.Please advise..
Could you let me know your thoughts Please?? I need to know the reliability of HIV DUO test against Elisa Test.Please advise..
Teak,Lizzie,
Can you suggest on HIV DUO Test reliability against ELISA Test?? Does ELISA Test will be folloowed in GUM CLINIC??
Can you suggest on HIV DUO Test reliability against ELISA Test?? Does ELISA Test will be folloowed in GUM CLINIC??
Frank,
I am currently in London, there are couple of Private clinics in London who Provides HIV DUO Testing of which famous are Freedomhealth & sameday doctor. I am surprised that you live in london but no Idea about this Private clinics..I just wanted to understand on straight question here Its reliable to Test in Private Clinic or GUM Clininc for accurate results..as I have already passed 14 weeks now after the exposure. Btw, I had Protected Sex, but experinced all the symptoms of HIV..this is what my concern.
I have been tested 3 times by diffrent methords Insti Test ANtibody, HIV DUO, Elisa Test at 3,5,8 weeks all negative..but really afradi of anything comes up bad news in my 14th week Test..I am really afraid to go to the Test Center for Final time.
So need a Proper advise where to get Final Test done.
I am currently in London, there are couple of Private clinics in London who Provides HIV DUO Testing of which famous are Freedomhealth & sameday doctor. I am surprised that you live in london but no Idea about this Private clinics..I just wanted to understand on straight question here Its reliable to Test in Private Clinic or GUM Clininc for accurate results..as I have already passed 14 weeks now after the exposure. Btw, I had Protected Sex, but experinced all the symptoms of HIV..this is what my concern.
I have been tested 3 times by diffrent methords Insti Test ANtibody, HIV DUO, Elisa Test at 3,5,8 weeks all negative..but really afradi of anything comes up bad news in my 14th week Test..I am really afraid to go to the Test Center for Final time.
So need a Proper advise where to get Final Test done.
The main benefit of the private clinics is their fast turnaround on results. I would have gone private if there was a private clinic here but there isn't so I had to use the NHS. The ensuing pillar and post pinball between GUM and my own GP was a joke.
The private clinivs do general practice too so if a patients symptoms are not worrisome for an STI/HIV the private clinics can do evaluation for other things there and then where the GUM clinic will shrug and send the patient to their GP only to be sent back yada yada.
When was your risk and what was it?
Hi Frank,
The Information provided is Great, If all the GUM Clinics in UK use the 4th Generation Elisa Test than normal 3rd Generation Elisa Test, I feel I can go to any Private clinic in UK to get Tested like Freedomhealth,UK or Samedaydoctor or else many more Private clinics are available for the Testing I guess.I was worried on the reliability of 4th Generation Elisa Test HIV DUO whether it was reliable or not?? If we could rely on it I would get tested from Private Clinic. Where in I could have results in 4 hours of time...
Friends what do you Suggest??
The Information provided is Great, If all the GUM Clinics in UK use the 4th Generation Elisa Test than normal 3rd Generation Elisa Test, I feel I can go to any Private clinic in UK to get Tested like Freedomhealth,UK or Samedaydoctor or else many more Private clinics are available for the Testing I guess.I was worried on the reliability of 4th Generation Elisa Test HIV DUO whether it was reliable or not?? If we could rely on it I would get tested from Private Clinic. Where in I could have results in 4 hours of time...
Friends what do you Suggest??
Which city are you in?
The rapid tests are not available throughout the country and GUM clinics prefer to use lab based tests. They are more reliable according to the Doctors and they are cheaper.
The clinics which do use rapid test assays usually only offer them by appointment and then for the highest risk patients (though every patient thinks they are highest risk they are not). The clinic I was at said they were only available for gay men, though they gave me a rapid test because of the distance.
Rapid tests also tie up staff. They have to take the blood in the clinic, go through to the lab with the test kit, mix the reagents there then have a witness corroborate the reading.
All GUM clinics in the UK use 4th generation tests, that is they test for Antibody and Antigen. Whether they use a BioMerieux HIV DUO Ultra or another combination test made by another manufacturer depends on the lab they use. DUO is an ELFA test which is similar to ELISA technique, all variations on a theme.
If you wait the three months then what's another week?
The FDA have nothing to do with tests licenced in the UK. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) handles licensing for the UK. Alternatively the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) handles licencing for the EU. If a product is licensed by the EMEA then it is valid in all 27 Member states of the EU and will carry the CE mark.
The rapid tests are not available throughout the country and GUM clinics prefer to use lab based tests. They are more reliable according to the Doctors and they are cheaper.
The clinics which do use rapid test assays usually only offer them by appointment and then for the highest risk patients (though every patient thinks they are highest risk they are not). The clinic I was at said they were only available for gay men, though they gave me a rapid test because of the distance.
Rapid tests also tie up staff. They have to take the blood in the clinic, go through to the lab with the test kit, mix the reagents there then have a witness corroborate the reading.
All GUM clinics in the UK use 4th generation tests, that is they test for Antibody and Antigen. Whether they use a BioMerieux HIV DUO Ultra or another combination test made by another manufacturer depends on the lab they use. DUO is an ELFA test which is similar to ELISA technique, all variations on a theme.
If you wait the three months then what's another week?
The FDA have nothing to do with tests licenced in the UK. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) handles licensing for the UK. Alternatively the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) handles licencing for the EU. If a product is licensed by the EMEA then it is valid in all 27 Member states of the EU and will carry the CE mark.
Can Any one give exact Information where to get Tested in UK for rapid HIV Results?? Does they Test for Elisa/HIV DUO?? Please let us know Your experinces and thoughts..I need to get Tested.
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