Just tested poz on a rapid test....dont have anyone to talk to...

[AZmyck]

I just tested positive on a rapid test...this is all new to me because Im not to informed and quite shocked. I had the test that they poke your finger. It came out positive but they told me that they were going to send in my blood to confirm if I am poz or not. I havent had any kinds of synmtoms at all. I dont get my final results till Friday but wanted to ask if anyone knows how accurate these tests are? Im crossing my fingers but am also trying to accept that I might be poz. I appreciate any info and advise. Thank you.

[emeraldize]

AZ -- Only certain designated people are allowed to respond to you. Be patient. Someone will. Em

[RapidRod]

Your test needs to be confirmed before you are actually diagnosed positive.

[PozBrian]

Hi, glad you found the forums, but sorry you had to look for them.

I initially got a result from a rapid blood test too. I didn't have anything that I thought were symptoms either but after going through the information here it is possible there were mild symptoms, nothing more severe than a mild cold. It was eventually confirmed by additional testing, western blot I think. My research at the time indicated that the rapid tests were pretty good, but not infallible. Mostly the rapid tests that used saliva had the problems, and then those in New York city for some reason had the most problems. Definitely wait for the confirmatory tests however.

I was on travel for work when I got my results and the particulars of my situation meant that I didn't have anyone I could feel comfortable confiding in (still don't really.)  Who did the rapid test for you? They should be able to do some initial counseling for you. I was in Seattle at the the time and got a call the Monday after I got my rapid result and we talked for nearly an hour on the phone. If they don't contact you, call them. Additionally, explore this site. There is lots of useful information here. These forums have been my best connection to others who are Hiv+ when I needed advice, courage, comfort or if I just had good news to share.

Finally, take a deep breath, HIV + or not, things will work out. The best thing you can do right now is to educate yourself. No matter how much you think you know, I found out there is a lot to learn. I'd start here:

http://www.poz.com/newlydiagnosed/

or here:

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/WhatIsAIDS_4994.shtml


Brian

[RapidRod]

Oral tests do not test saliva. They test oral mucosal transudate fluid abstracted from the gum and cheek cells.

[Andy Velez]

Hi,

Although your dismay is certainly undertstandable, you actually are not officially positive and hopefully you won't become so.

It is standard practice when a positive result occurs for a confirmatory test to be done. False positives happen often enough to make that necessary. If the western blot is negative that result trumps the earlier positive.

lWhat was your risk? You haven't mentioned that.

Meantime, let's sit tight until you get that result. Hoping for the best for you.

[AZmyck]

Thank you all for your kind words. I still have a couple days to find out. I just want to say that, my first day on this site was Sunday. I was still in a weird daze and had many different kinds of emotions. But after spending some time on this site Sunday evening, it really made me feel a little bit relaxed. Thank you again for your help during this difficult time.

To answer your question Andy, I have had unprotected anal sex as a bottom. Its one of those things you that you trusted your partner but have to blame myself.

[Andy Velez]

I'm glad you have found some support here.

Fingers crossed for you and waiting to hear about your test result.