I go back next Tuesday for my results.

I went to my county's department of public health and the guy that talked to me and tested me was an amazing man. He told me that my one time exposure to my 2nd boyfriend pre-cum was a risk BUT not a great risk. He also let me know that there are 13,500 people living with HIV/AIDS in Michigan and most of them [80 some percent] are black males who are introvenous drug users. He also let me know that in Michigan the # of HIV cases per year in my county has been 40 or so over the last few years and numbers are going down in Michigan and not up.

I walked out of there feeling better then I did when I went in. Me and my boyfriend [of almost 3 years] both got tested and we hope to get the NEGATIVE back next Tuesday and go on our way to marriage and kids happily.

Wish me luck! This is going to be a tough week to get through. UGH!

-Chelle

Please NOTE: I am not saying that HIV is a disease that ONLY black men who use drugs gets. I am just merely telling you what the statistical facts are for Michigan.

Just to clarify.

I know that HIV knows no race, religion, or creed.

PS: He did the OraSure oral swab test and said it was 98.3% accurate compared to the blood ELISA which is 98.6% accurate. What is that margin or error in there and what causes a margin of error? How will I know I am negative if there is that margin or error?

Also I just read about OraSure online and one site said that you should place the swab between your gum and cheek, rub it back and forth to get the pad wet, and then hold it there for 2 minutes. My guy had me place it between my gum and cheek and hold it there for 4 minutes. He did NOT tell me to rub it back and forth to get it moist at the beginning. Also, I read on the same website that you should not brush your teeth two hours prior to testing. I brushed mine about an hour and a half before testing. He didn't ask me when was the last time I brushed my teeth. He does this all the time. Do you assume my results will still be accurate?!

Hey there. I also live in Michigan and went to my health dept for my HIV test. I also did the Orasure test. I was told to place the test in between my cheek and gum and hold it there (she didnt specify time, the nurse did her paperwork while I sat there with the test in my mouth..I noticed her looking at her watch and then told me it would be another minute or so). I was NOT told to rub it against my gums. My sister went with me and got tested herself. She was in a different room with a different nurse and she got the same instructions that I did. I saw a website saying that you need to rub it against your gum so I called the Orasure people and spoke with a woman and explained that I was concerend about not rubbing it on my gums. She said that it is not nessesary. I told her how my test was performed and she said it was performed correctly and that my result was conclusive. Im just curious, where in Michigan do you live? :wave:

Phew! Thanks for clearing up the rubbing part, Michelle. :D

Since posting this, I have also found that the OraSure test was designed to not be affected by brushing your teeth, eating or drinking. I will call the company if need be to get a definitive answer on this question. One site says brushing your teeth will not effect it and another site says don't brush your teeth two hours before the test. However, it does not say how it will affect the test if you DO brush your teeth.

I live in the northern suburbs of Detroit. However, I was born and raised in Detroit [moved a little north when I turned 18] and I am darn proud of it. Even though lots of people would tell me I have nothing to be proud of...haha.

What part of Michigan are you in Michelle?

-Chelle ["The other Michelle" :D]

Phew! Thanks for clearing up the rubbing part, Michelle. :D

Since posting this, I have also found that the OraSure test was designed to not be affected by brushing your teeth, eating or drinking. I will call the company if need be to get a definitive answer on this question. One site says brushing your teeth will not effect it and another site says don't brush your teeth two hours before the test. However, it does not say how it will affect the test if you DO brush your teeth.

I live in the northern suburbs of Detroit. However, I was born and raised in Detroit [moved a little north when I turned 18] and I am darn proud of it. Even though lots of people would tell me I have nothing to be proud of...haha.

What part of Michigan are you in Michelle?

-Chelle ["The other Michelle" :D] If I remember correctly I asked about eating and drinking....stuff like that when I got tested because when I went in they were going to do a blood test and she couldnt get a good vein (she attempted to take blood) and then decided to do the Orasure. So I started asking questions because I hadnt heard of it before. She never questioned me about when I brushed my teeth or nothing like that. I wouldnt even worry about that. Orasure does have a website, although I cant post it on here. You can search the internet for it. You test will be conclusive, dont worry. Just a little hint.....when i was tested the nurse told me that sometimes the tests come back a few days early so you might try calling maybe Friday or Monday and asked if the results are in yet. And I live in Oakland County. :)

Oh Michelle you are being such a HUGE help! :D

I will think about calling at the end of this week, although I think I may just wait till Tuesday. My boyfriend and me both got tested today and he and I both have to go back for our results on Tuesday. I need him there for the support.

I don't think it's a problem that you posted where you took it at.

I love snowboarding at Alpine Valley in the Winter! Thats not too far from you.

Anyway, I will take a better look at the OraSure website because I just briefly skimmed it.

Thanks for all your support and help,

Chelle

Any one else with some words of advice, answers to my questions, or some helpful encouragement, please post. I could use it. I have six more long days of waiting. Almost five now. Ugh! I can't wait till this wait is over. :(

-Chelle

Well done, Chelle! And don't sit there panicking - it'll be negative. x

Thanks for the kind words and well-wishes, Thea! :D

-Chelle

good luck the wait is the worst, but hang in there. I hope all is well.