Mock HIV Rapid Test

[GODHATESWBC]

If I had been this patient, I would not have been able to take any of this information in - the counsellor talked way too fast - very poor .....

[Jibjub80]

I'm curious about a couple of things. When I have gotten tested, they did not prick my finger, but took a vial of blood from my arm. Depending on the test site, I would either get the results the same day or two weeks later, as one offered the rapid test, whereas the other sent the blood to a lab which wasn't on the premises and performed the traditional ELISA. How accurate are the finger sticks compared to a venipuncture? Do the finger sticks check for HIV2 as well as HIV1 or HIV1 only?

[helpfulVidz]

omg im so scared to get it.

[Jibjub80]

@helpfulVidz Yes, getting a test for HIV can be quite scary, but it is best to know your status, unless you feel that you feel that you cannot cope with the possibility of a reactive result (and some people can't). In that case, it is important to use extra caution if you think you may have contracted the virus. A negative result can certainly give you peace of mind.