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Test Panels

I have seen Dr. Hook and Dr. HHH tell posters not to pay for expensive "we test for everything" panels and was wondering if anyone knew exactly why.  I can post something in the expert form if necessary but wanted to try here first.  Is it due to the high cost and the fact that they test for things that really aren't necessary or are there questions as to the accuracy of the tests?  Thanks in advance.
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Avatar universal
I've seen several places on here that HIV results at 4-6 weeks are 90-95% accurate so that is why I went with that number.  I will likely get tested again at 3 months but would like to have some confirmation now.
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101028 tn?1419603004
You should wait 3 months for the blood testing for hiv and herpes.  might as well get the syphilis testing done then too to save you a stick.

grace

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Avatar universal
Thanks Grace, that helps a lot.  I had an unprotected encounter and wanted to get tested so I paid for a panel that included urine for gonnorrhea and chlamydia as well as a blood test for Herpes, Hep, HIV, and syphillis.  I had been examining this board so I only took the urine test at 5 days post exposure which came back negative.  I am holding off on the blood test until 6 weeks since, from what I have seen on here, that will give me accurate syphillis, and HIV results and gives me about a 70% chance of picking up Herpes.  I did go to a urologist who said everything looked fine and he did a urethral swab, although it was after I had just given a urine sample.  I would think that that would interfere with the test.  I'm really just testing at this point for, as you said, "peace of mind".  Thanks again
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101028 tn?1419603004
I've actually discussed this in the past with HHH and I understand his point of view, support most of why he says not too and differ just a bit.  

drawbacks to getting those panels done -

-$$$$ ( some are way more pricey than others )

- no counseling and evaluation about risk.  really most folks don't need the "whole shebang" after each sexual encounter. these companies offer "peace of mind" at a price

-no advice as to when to test for what. if you are just getting the whole panel 1 week post encounter, you didn't get tested at the proper times and spent your money for nothing

-no counseling when you receive your results.  sure you can  pay extra for "medical interpretation of results" but it's not the same as face to face counseling and if you are +, you still need to see your provider who most likely will repeat the testing before treating you.

- no follow up care

- no record of testing on your medical chart

- not the proper testing if you have active symptoms for herpes, ngu etc


advantages-

- no embarrassment of calling your provider to explain why you need testing

- no record of testing on your medical chart

-no fighting with your provider about what you want tested for

- less delay in testing ( most can get you tested in 24 hours or so of calling )

- results reported directly to you - not getting lost in the shuffle and waiting for someone to call you with results and not having to call and talk to 3 different people about wanting someone to give you your results.

- easy to access results online/have paper record to show partners


I see them as a good thing and a bad thing. It is a hassle as a patient to get a full std screening before starting a new relationship. typically providers only test for 2 or 3 std's too so you might not be getting herpes testing or ever having hepatitis testing done either.  Some of them are actually much cheaper than what I'd pay with my insurance for a full std screening too.  it pays to shop around.    Also I get sick of  calling and begging for std testing when I need it - everyone always tries to talk me out of it which isn't right ( me of all people- I do std education far more than they do and know when I was at risk...lol ).   Also insurance companies don't look highly on folks who get tested for std's 3 or 4 times a year and it's reasonable to think that many folks will have that many new partners in a year sometimes and need testing that many times for at least a few std's.  If you are entering into a new relationship, have had your "talk" and have planned a weekend getaway for next week, you don't have the time to wait to make appointments with your providers for 3 weeks from now for testing and then wait for results. this is a way to be sexually responsible and also deal with the new relationship can you trust them or not issue too issue. Many folks say they get std testing done, most don't and most don't get tested for all they need tested for.  

At the same time, I've been doing online message boards for 12 years now. I've seen many folks use these services wrongly and/or spend a lot of money needlessly with them.  I'm also a fan of if you have symptoms or suspect something is wrong, nothing replaces a proper exam by a trained medical provider - you often need more than just blood/urine testing for std's.   yeah maybe you have noticed that it burns like a s.o.b when you pee and you have discharge but a proper exam might also pick up on the warts you have or even notice that the rash you have on your thighs might be herpes.  For females, it's also important to get your vaginal secretions tested for yeast and bacterial infections/vaginitis too.  

hope that helps with your decision a little :)

grace
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