UK GUM clinics HIV

[mikelikesinformation690]

I would like to summise my questions that i've previously brought up to get a direct answer to each:

1) Does a UK GUM clinic use a 3rd/4th generation ELISA test? If not what do they use?

2) A single HIV test (be it 3rd or 4th gen) at a UK GUM clinic is testing for both HIV1 and 2 antibodies from one test? (as it appears there are two seperate ELISA tests from what DR Gonzales says)

I appreciate your responses and that maybe you feel you've answered this already, but I cannot understand just a "YES". Someone said any test at three month picks up both, but surely not all tests pick up both. If some explanation is put in, it not only eases my mind but answers my specific queries.

What i mean is please can I have a definitive answer along the lines of; "yes UK GUM clinics use a --- generation test. This tests for both HIV1 and HIV2. It works by...."

Thankyou

ps i know repeated posts can get me banned, but I feel my last question was not well thought out enough to get the answers i wanted.

[mikelikesinformation690]

Thankyou stupiddumbgirlwhoshouldknowbetter. All i wanted to know was whether  a uk gum clinic tested for HIV1 and 2 in one test (which i thought was an ELISA thid Gen). The answers i got gave some information but did not answer directly, such as the info by dr gonzales was not clear whether they used an ELISA test for HIV 1 and a seperate ELISA test for HIV 2, or whether the one test tests for both.

I realise you get alot of people asking questions and delving further to find problems (so i'm not trying to be personal), but I think I have been reasonable in my questioning, and what i have written.

I have posted on this forum only about 8 times, I can't see how that is excessive. I do not think this is a situation that can be classed as no risk/negative result as my questioning concerned what i was tested for at a clinic, a pefectly rational line of questioning I thought. Anyway thanks for peoples help, it's good that people take their time to answer peoples questions. Like i said, if i decide to call an adviser i'll see what they say and post it on here, as i know people have asked a similar question before.

Regards Mike

[stupiddumbgirlwhoshouldaknewbetter]

Yes.  You can call whichever GUM clinic that you want to go to and ask to speak to a Health Advisor either over the telephone or in person.  They are trained medically and in counselling.   They will take pleasure in explaining what they can offer to you or answering your one off questions about what tests you should do etc.  I think you may find this useful.  Sexual Health has been made a priority in the NHS and I doubt that you would have to wait ages.  Most clinics offer same day appointments, particularly if you are anxious and say so.

3rd gen tests are most commonly used still, for the reasons that I have given you above.  However, 4th gens are recommended too.  I know people who have gone to their GUM clinic, asked for a 4th gen (as long as their reasoning is good - for example - they had overwhelming, distressing symptoms which needed diagnosis and treatment) and had one.  

You are not a nuisance.  I am not a medical professional but I have been where you are and I read everything I could lay my hands on and spoke to everyone I could and learned a lot.  It is my pleasure to answer you.      

I will give you en example of

[LIZZIE LOU]

you asked a question and i answered it...there was NO reason for me to repeat your question in my answer...i assumed you knew what you had asked.

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
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[mikelikesinformation690]

Thankyou stupiddumbetc that was a well informed answer you gave to the best of your knowledge. I take it you mean a third gen test is standard and sometimes fourth in cases where it is early and needed.

I didn't know i could call, i didnt want to go in and wait ages for one little question. It is the specific GUM clinic I call or is it a national number, like the NHS one?

Liz, that was the thread i created before. I got the answers "YES" and "All tests test for HIV 1 and HIV 2 at three months" which i dont think is true for ALL tests. So i posted this thread to get some more specifity and information. I don't think theres any harm in answering along the lines of, "yes third generation Elisa's are used in UK GUM clinics and they test for HIV1 and HIV2 in one test". If you know the answer you might aswell answer in these reaffiriming, fact giving and unquestionable terms. I know you answer lots of questions, but i wouldnt cast aside someones question leaving them to make of your answer what they will, thus leaving them in doubt and not able to ask again, this only makes someone more anxious, especially if theyre prone to being anxious. Sometimes to allay a fear or anxiety is enough to make someone feel a whole lot better.

I almost felt like i was being an annoyance asking, but this is a forum and it is sometimes the little questions, that may seem trivial to some, that allay peoples concerns or anxiety. If someone has a big question they would probably seek a doctor anyway.

That said i still think you do good to answer questions on here, and teak as it's obvious you have knowledge on the issues.

I will call who i need to and post the answer on here for those who want to know.

[LIZZIE LOU]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/Do-Third-Generation-ELISA-tests--test-for-HIV1-and-HIV2/show/1271373?personal_page_id=1543368