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Author Topic: Home HIV tests available in UK?  (Read 4464 times)

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Offline delia

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Home HIV tests available in UK?
« on: September 07, 2006, 01:00:31 pm »
I recently had my blood drawn for some tests-one being HIV-and the Phlebotomist didn't wear gloves. This is the first time this has happened to me and I found it strange. I was told by a friend that the gloves are used to protect the healthcare worker not myself - so I shouldn't worry (that the phlebotomist is just a trusting person or really experienced). This was in a private hospital in London. Is it up to the Phlebotomist's discretion or is it just really difficult to transmit HIV from a patient to the healthcare worker during a simple blood draw like this?

Offline Ann

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    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Are Phlebotomists required to wear gloves during a blood draw?
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2006, 01:07:56 pm »
delia,

Your friend was correct - healthcare workers wear gloves during a blood draw to protect themselves, not you.

Getting your blood drawn is not an hiv situation.

While you're here, please read through the Welcome Thread and follow the Transmission Lesson link so you can learn more about what is and isn't a risk for hiv infection.

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

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"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline delia

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Re: Are Phlebotomists required to wear gloves during a blood draw?
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2006, 01:19:39 pm »
Would it be considered bad practice or unsanitary for the healthcare worker not to wear the gloves? I'm sure I'm not the only one who would be bothered by this so I still find it strange he didn't wear gloves.

Offline Ann

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    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Are Phlebotomists required to wear gloves during a blood draw?
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2006, 01:26:13 pm »
delia,

I think glove wearing is encouraged, but not mandatory. I know several nurses who do not wear gloves when drawing blood as they say it makes the job much more difficult for them. I see no problem with it.

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline delia

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  • Posts: 5
Home HIV tests available in UK?
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2006, 10:34:47 am »
Hello-

Are there any tests available in the UK for home testing which are like the Home Access test which is only available in the States?

I found these two online-are they accurate or approved?
www.drthom.com-  DrThom HIV saliva screening service (sample is sent to lab)
www.hiv-home-test-kit.com (this works like a pregnancy test of either showing 1 or 2 lines after dropping some sample blood in the test)

Is it a common practice now to have the option of saliva screening for HIV?

I know in the UK testing can be free at clinics but I find home testing--- like I did when living in the States ---easier because I hate going to clinics and needles.

Many thanks-

Offline Ann

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Re: Home HIV tests available in UK?
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2006, 11:08:43 am »
Delia,

I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep all your additional thoughts or questions in one thread.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.

There are no home tests approved for use in the UK. You will simply have to go to a GUM clinic. Many places in the UK now use the oral swab type of tests so ring round and find out where you can get one near you.

Is there a specific reason you want to test or are you just wanting to test as part of your routine sexual health care check up?

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline delia

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: Home HIV tests available in UK?
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2006, 08:19:56 pm »
Ann,

I have no need to test right now-just recently had mine and it was negative.-I'm just considering any future tests. I really dislike going to hospitals and clinics-just a weird phobia which I've found others to also have. I also encourage my friends to also get tested and thought a home test is perfect for Londoners who are alwase so busy/may not want to talk with their GP about it or go to a GUM clinic/or would like the testing experience to be anonymous . Thanks for your Info-Hopefully Home Access becomes available in the UK in the future.

Many Thanks,
Delia

Offline delia

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  • Posts: 5
Re: Home HIV tests available in UK?
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2006, 08:44:26 pm »
Ann-

Sorry-forgot to add this info I read on mirates.com-(Home HIV Testing kit) website.
"Watch out: in case of a needle accident (when you are pricked with a potentially infected needle) you should take in account that the window period is six months in stead of three."

Is a three month window period sufficient for everyone-why would this website post this warning?

Many Thanks,
Delia



Offline RapidRod

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  • Posts: 15,288
Re: Home HIV tests available in UK?
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2006, 02:40:30 am »
Occupational Health Injuries are required to test out to 6 months to "CTA" (cover their ass). For a lay person, 3 months is conclusive.

 


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