AIDS/tests

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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 6/23/2006


Question
Hi there,

I have a few questions for you. I am possibly sick with some sort of virus and had my blood drawn for a complete blood count and a liver function. Now I was wondering if the techs could see if my blood was infected with HIV by doing these tests and what not on it. Do they do these same things while testing for HIV/AIDS? Can you determine if someone has HIV/AIDS from these tests I guess? Thanks in advance.

Answer
They would have to specifically test for HIV in order to detect it. If you did not discuss this with your doctor ahead of time then they will not be testing for HIV...however, you could request that they use the same sample of blood to do an HIV test.  

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Volunteer

Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.

Experience

I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

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