Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: January 6, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
There was a previous question on here, "Can you tell if you have HIV just from a standard blood count test?" I have further questions about this. I realize there are specific tests to determine if a person has HIV but.... would your blood levels be off in a standard blood test that would prompt a doctor to do further testing? And after further testing, and you are in perfect health, would they consider HIV testing? Or, if you had HIV, would your blood levels appear normal in a standard blood test?
Signed: Questions About HIV Testing
Dear Questions About HIV Testing,
The only way you can know if you have HIV is if you take a specific test for the virus. Your doctor wouldn't be able to notice anything in your blood that would alert him or her to HIV infection while testing your blood for something else, and you would not be tested for HIV without your consent.
Since you are obviously concerned about HIV, it's important to get tested right away. It's a very easy test, and they even have ones where no blood needs to be drawn - instead, they swab the inside of your cheek.
To get an HIV test, if you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. If you live elsewhere, get in touch with your local adolescent health center or clinic, or Planned Parenthood.
You can read more about HIV/AIDS in questions on this site if you have not already.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens who drink are more likely to be victims of violent crimes and sexual assault, have serious problems in school, be involved in drinking-related traffic crashes, and develop problems with alcohol later in life.
