Rapid HIV Test?
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Gringoboy
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Any private medical clinic will do it for you, presumably following a Doc's referral, although I'm not an expert on this.
I had numerous blood tests following my TB episode and boy was I cacking myself when I opened the envelope with the results.Not because I thought I was HIV+, but only because you just never know. They do a Hep C test with it too. I was clear on all fronts and it takes about a week, in my experience.
I had numerous blood tests following my TB episode and boy was I cacking myself when I opened the envelope with the results.Not because I thought I was HIV+, but only because you just never know. They do a Hep C test with it too. I was clear on all fronts and it takes about a week, in my experience.
TheBlackHand
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There are different types of HIV tests. Some can take 3-5 days, others can take 5-10 days. Depending on your reasons for taking the tests, a doctor should decide which one is more appropriate for your situation.
DontMindMe
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Getting STD testing done here in BA is not as simple as I hoped it would be, at least in my experience. Maybe it's because I'm a woman and this is Latin America, but I definitely felt a little judged by the people I came in contact with during this process. I'll go ahead and write it in this thread for anyone who might run a search in the future.
I have obra social, so I went to a gynecologist to get a prescription for the tests since I also needed a yearly exam. My boyfriend and I had made things official, and decided to do the responsible thing and go get tested despite our safe histories. It would seem that this is not standard practice in Buenos Aires. Before the doctor even examined me, I told her I was there for a pap and to get an order for the tests. Her reply: But you don't have anything! I repeat, this was before I even took my pants off and it was my first visit with her. I said, well, I don't have any physical symptoms, but my boyfriend and I are getting tested to be safe. Her reply: Oh, is he in treatment for one? Then she told me a bit about Argentine machismo and her patients who come in crying because their boyfriends are too macho to admit they might have something. I just kind of nodded (my boyfriend is not Argentine) because I wanted to get out of there. She asked nothing about my sexual history, but wrote two tests on the order. I had to request that she add gonorrhea and HIV. I did not request an HPV test because I got the Gardasil vaccine in the U.S. before I became sexually active, so I am not sure if it is offered here.
The next day, at the lab, the technician looked at the order and the first thing out of her mouth was, Is your boyfriend already in treatment? I explained why I was there. Her demeanor changed completely and though I tried my best to brush it off, I felt judged. Not a fun way to feel when your feet are in stirrups. :/
When I went to pick up the results seven days later, all was fine but I realized that the lab didn't do the test for gonorrhea. I called and they said it was because it was a special blood analysis that they didn't do. Could have told me that when I was there...Called another lab and they said the same thing. Boyfriend and I gave up on that particular test. He also had to request from his doctor to add more tests to his order, including HIV, and we were both pretty fed up at this point.
To the OP, have you called only labs, or did you try any of the clinics specializing in STD testing? If I had to do it again, I think I'd go that route. Here's one link I found: http://www.nexo.org/ Good luck.
If anyone has had a more positive experience, please post. I'm one person out of many. The last thing I want to do is put people off doing the responsible thing. At the end of the day, I'm happy we did it, I was just surprised by the doctors' attitudes.
I have obra social, so I went to a gynecologist to get a prescription for the tests since I also needed a yearly exam. My boyfriend and I had made things official, and decided to do the responsible thing and go get tested despite our safe histories. It would seem that this is not standard practice in Buenos Aires. Before the doctor even examined me, I told her I was there for a pap and to get an order for the tests. Her reply: But you don't have anything! I repeat, this was before I even took my pants off and it was my first visit with her. I said, well, I don't have any physical symptoms, but my boyfriend and I are getting tested to be safe. Her reply: Oh, is he in treatment for one? Then she told me a bit about Argentine machismo and her patients who come in crying because their boyfriends are too macho to admit they might have something. I just kind of nodded (my boyfriend is not Argentine) because I wanted to get out of there. She asked nothing about my sexual history, but wrote two tests on the order. I had to request that she add gonorrhea and HIV. I did not request an HPV test because I got the Gardasil vaccine in the U.S. before I became sexually active, so I am not sure if it is offered here.
The next day, at the lab, the technician looked at the order and the first thing out of her mouth was, Is your boyfriend already in treatment? I explained why I was there. Her demeanor changed completely and though I tried my best to brush it off, I felt judged. Not a fun way to feel when your feet are in stirrups. :/
When I went to pick up the results seven days later, all was fine but I realized that the lab didn't do the test for gonorrhea. I called and they said it was because it was a special blood analysis that they didn't do. Could have told me that when I was there...Called another lab and they said the same thing. Boyfriend and I gave up on that particular test. He also had to request from his doctor to add more tests to his order, including HIV, and we were both pretty fed up at this point.
To the OP, have you called only labs, or did you try any of the clinics specializing in STD testing? If I had to do it again, I think I'd go that route. Here's one link I found: http://www.nexo.org/ Good luck.
If anyone has had a more positive experience, please post. I'm one person out of many. The last thing I want to do is put people off doing the responsible thing. At the end of the day, I'm happy we did it, I was just surprised by the doctors' attitudes.
Call Ceusa-Laeh http://www.ceusa-laeh.com.ar/ 4962-3505
I had the same experience you ladies are talking about! When my boyfriend and I both went to get the full tests done, including HIV he had no issues with his health care but with mine, I got the stare down. Is it really that odd to have a full STD test when you and your monogamous partner want to.. well you all know.
I have medicus and they don´t offer a rapid test, but if you´re ok waiting a week, I´d suggest doing the regular test. But good luck! And be prepared for them to look at you like you´re a bad person for being safe.
I have medicus and they don´t offer a rapid test, but if you´re ok waiting a week, I´d suggest doing the regular test. But good luck! And be prepared for them to look at you like you´re a bad person for being safe.
French jurist
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[quote name='Don'tMindMe'] Before the doctor even examined me, I told her I was there for a pap and to get an order for the tests. Her reply: But you don't have anything! I repeat, this was before I even took my pants off and it was my first visit with her. I said, well, I don't have any physical symptoms, but my boyfriend and I are getting tested to be safe. Her reply: Oh, is he in treatment for one? [/QUOTE]
That, together with the other similar testimonials is terrible. There surely is a MD on this forum. Isn't that a "weird conduct" in any code of practice?
That, together with the other similar testimonials is terrible. There surely is a MD on this forum. Isn't that a "weird conduct" in any code of practice?
DontMindMe
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French jurist said:
I've had other experiences that, while different, I considered weird conduct. Got a heart problem diagnosed, and during that process, had to get an x-ray. Standing topless with a little radiation-blocking vest that hid nothing, arms in the air, the male tech called me linda and started asking if I had a boyfriend. I'm used to that stuff on the street, out at night and even when I'm working from time to time, but alone in a dark room, topless? I gritted my teeth, told him that yes I did have a boyfriend, and didn't say anything else. Sometimes I'm just not sure where people draw the line here.
What I forgot to add in my first post was that my boyfriend's doctor initially told him that when patients have no visible symptoms, he only tests for two--VD and another test, can't remember the Spanish name, but I Googled it back then and it seemed to be the test for syphilis. I couldn't believe it, but I don't know if that is standard for men with no symptoms or just that doctor's rule. Perhaps it has something to do with not overloading the labs, but I really think doctors like this could be putting people at risk. Why would you talk someone out of STD testing, or try to refuse it??
