You are here:

AIDS/Waiting on HIV testing results

Advertisement

Expert: Terry B - 3/11/2009


Question
I recently took an HIV test at my doctors office and i was wondering how long does it usually take to get results? Also what are the chances of me being HIV positive if I always practice safe sex.

Answer
Dear Amanda:

Peace.  It depends on the type of test your doctor ordered.  You should have been given information on the test, what the results mean, and your best options positive or negative.  Go to www.avert.org and/or www.thebody.com and read about testing and results.  If you always practice "safe" sex you are abstaining; the best any of us do is reduce risk, and the correct use of latex barrier protection with any and all contact with the blood, semen, and vaginal secretions keeps you about as safe as possible (reducing risk).  www.thebody.com should be helpful with ways to continue to improve your risk reduction.

Best to you and yours,

Terry

AIDS

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.