How Definitive Are Std Tests?

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Ask the Experts

was on anti depressant(citalopram) for two years and was drinking alcohol in the same two years time, before i got tested. WIll that effect my HIV test result or any other STD test results.

Dear Dr. ConwayI had an exposure, and due to the stress, I was on an antidepressant(citalopram 20 mg everyday) and I was also drinking alcohol everyday again because of the stress. In the morning I used to take citalopram 20 mg everyday and in the...

Response from Brian Conway, M.D.

University of British Columbia

None of the drugs you are taking (and no drugs that I know of) have any effect on the HIV antibody test results. I would say the same thing about any of the other tests you have undergone. If the results were negative (for HIV-1 and everything... Read more »

When is a test result definitive? (3 MONTHS VERSUS 6 MONTHS WINDOW PERIOD)

Dr BSome of your boards you say that a three month test is all you need, but I was reading about... Read more »

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D. »

Testing of all std's -- thanks

My question relates to HIV, Herpes, HPV and other stds. What would the time frame be for accurate... Read more »

Response from Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C. »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Articles

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Minnesota: Clinic Closure Strains Area STD Testing

Following the December closing of the county-run Quiet Care Clinic in Stearns County, Minn., other clinics' personnel are reporting a significant rise in the number of patients seeking testing for STDs. Shut down late last year because of county... Read more »

Relationships Between Perceived STD-Related Stigma, STD-Related Shame and STD Screening Among a Household Sample of Adolescents

Individuals' perceptions of STD-related stigma (negative societal attitudes toward STD infection) and expectations of STD-related shame (negative personal feelings) that would result from a positive test can be important barriers to STD testing.... Read more »

San Francisco: STD Testing Campaign for Gay Men Under Way

Following last year's successful campaign to promote STD testing among gay men, a team of San Francisco health advocates is once again calling for a "spring cleaning" during the month of April. The drive is the brainchild of Castroguys, a group of... Read more »

Effects on Sexual Behavior and STD Rate of Brief HIV/STD Prevention Interventions for African-American Women in Primary Care Settings

The study authors tested the efficacy of brief HIV/STD risk-reduction interventions for African-American women in primary care settings. A total of 564 African-American women were recruited from a Newark, N.J., inner-city women's health clinic for... Read more »

Connect With Others

STD test "time table" ?

Posted by Hawaii_Guy, 1 Reply

Hey, does anyone know at what point in time testing for STD is past the incubation period? I tested 5 days 'afterwards" and if that is not enough time -- would definitely test again.

Thanks in advance,

Read more »

A pos test for HIV, STD could mean another STD too

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

If you've tested positive for AIDS HIV or an STD it could mean there's another STD too. Get the standard STD clinic tests from a medical center clinic or your doctor.

Read more »

PCR "definitive?" HELP

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

After a "what was I thinking" unsafe encounter, I really stressed out. Sure enough, within three weeks, my groin nodes were inflamed. My doctor said, "No problem." Over the next two weeks, I began to get a discharge from my genitals, inflamed... Read more »

OK Definitive testing !!! WHEN AFTER EXPOSURE!!

Posted by Kiltedone, 2 Replies

Reading alot of stuff thats contradicting eachother.. right some one tell me for deff, what is the definative time that most people would test +ve after exposure and if a neg test after this is considered a proper neg test.. i am waiting the 3... Read more »

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