maybe helpful

And in light of recent posts and confusion on testing, and when and ARS and such, I thought Id bring some info over here with me. First off, from there site, keep in mind:

"When using these guidelines, the disease prevalence and other characteristics of the medical practice setting should be considered. These recommendations should be regarded as a source of clinical guidance and not as standards or inflexible rules."


That said, Here it goes! From the CDC website, information updated in 2002, the best you can get so far there, regarding TESTING:

"HIV antibody is detectable in at least 95% of patients within 3 months after infection."

Hear that? AT LEAST 95% of people within 3 months. Wich means, MORE than 95% of people show positive within three months, but AT the LEAST 95% of people do. Pretty good, eh?

Information updated 2002, regarding HIV-2 ( a few questions around here sometimes):

"However, HIV-2 infection should be suspected in persons who have epidemiologic risk factors for HIV-2. Examples of these risk factors include persons with sex partners from West Africa (where HIV-2 is endemic), those with sex partners known to be infected with HIV-2, and persons who received a blood transfusion or a non-sterile injection in a West African country."

So unless you are messing sround with someone who has BEEN to West Africa, theres not much worry.

Same 2002 information for STD testing:

"More frequent STD screening (e.g., at 3--6-month intervals) may be indicated for MSM at highest risk (e.g., those who acknowledge having multiple anonymous partners or having sex in conjunction with illicit drug use and patients whose sex partners participate in these activities). Screening tests usually are indicated regardless of a patient's history of consistent use of condoms for insertive or receptive anal intercourse. Providers also should be knowledgeable about the common manifestations of symptomatic STDs in MSM (e.g., urethral discharge, dysuria, anorectal symptoms [such as pain, pruritis, discharge, and bleeding], genital or anorectal ulcers, other mucocutaneous lesions, lymphadenopathy, and skin rash). If these symptoms are present, providers should perform appropriate diagnostic tests."

Wich basically says, even IF you are consistent in practicing safe sex, your DR. can AND is recomended to order appropriate testing for STDs that he may suspect. YOU may not have them, or be at risk, but your Dr. if he is good and catuious, can order testing, just to be on the safe side.

Same 2002 information on ARS symptoms:

"Health-care providers should be knowledgeable about the symptoms and signs of acute retroviral syndrome, which is characterized by fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy, and skin rash. This syndrome frequently occurs in the first few weeks after HIV infection, before antibody test results become positive."

THATS what CDC says about ARS. But theres more.

"Suspicion of acute retroviral syndrome should prompt nucleic acid testing (HIV plasma RNA [i.e., viral load]) to detect the presence of HIV, although this test is not approved for diagnostic purposes; a positive test should be confirmed by another HIV test."

Basically, an EIA or ELISA test while you are having ARS will not show positive, they can test for your viral load through an RNA test, BUT~ it is NOT a diagnostic test!

Same 2002 information:

"Informed consent must be obtained before an HIV test is performed; some states require written consent."

Wich means you will not be tested for HIV without your knowledge, not even through routine blood work.

Just some information I found, I thought may be of interest to some around here.



------------------
Good Luck and Be Safe

__________________
Good Luck and Be Safe