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		4th Generation HIV Testing & RNA Detection
	
	
		[QUOTE=CnjDevilish;4373321]I've used this service. It was 100% anonymous. Went to a LabCorp location. No ID needed and I got my results in 2 days via e-mail.
[URL]https://www.stdcheck.com/std-test-pricing.php[/URL][/QUOTE]Thanks for posting that. You stepped on a 'hot button' for me, so I'll pull out the old soapbox.
On the STD thread elsewhere on this site, there still is a fair amount of ignorance surrounding HIV testing. Oh and I run into it with girls as well. When HIV was first discovered and the big scare went, out the only tools available for detection were the Gen 1 & 2 antibody tests. But like brick cell phones, technology marches on and now we are up to Gen 4 testing and optional RNA testing. The point is that exposure to HIV can now be detected as soon as 9-11 days after exposure / infection. That is because the RNA test actually looks for or detects the virus. The 'old" tests looked for antibodies, made by the immune system in response to the virus. In some people it took their bodies / immune systems up to 3 months to produce antibodies. Gen 4 testing looks for antibodies AND antigens and the antigens appear and this can be detected much sooner than antibodies. So new tech finds the actual virus sooner.
[B]So no more of this:[/B] [I]"You have to get tested and be clean, then wait & be celibate or monogamous another  3-months for one to 'truly' know they are free of HIV!"[/I] OK? Got iT? If you want to know go get the Gen 4 testing. If you REALLY need to know NOW- get the RNA testing!
This is a nice quick summary from that link:
[B]  [I]  What are the differences between the HIV RNA test and the HIV 4th Generation Antibody test?[/B]
The HIV RNA test can detect HIV sooner than any other HIV test; as early as 9-11 days after exposure. The HIV 4th Generation Antibody test can detect HIV 2-3 weeks after exposure. The HIV RNA test detects the HIV virus in the blood by seeking out its genetic material (RNA), whereas the HIV 4th Generation Antibody test detects HIV antibodies and antigens. Antibodies are proteins created by the body's immune system to try to destroy foreign substances like bacteria or viruses, in this case HIV. Antigens are the foreign substances that cause an immune response-- the HIV Antibody test detects HIV p24 antigens. [/I].
Now as far as that site being "private?" I dunno? You want that lab showing up as a charge on the permanent record with your Credit Card company? Are you going to be able to get results sent to hobby email? Will you have to show I'd at the test center? Looks like they use Quest Diagnosis and Lab Corp as the phlebotomists.
If you want an education about the history of HIV testing, to cure any personal ignorance or conteract false "beliefs" one has picked up in the locker room, go here:
[URL]https://cvi.asm.org/content/23/4/249[/URL]
Attached is a table that shows the Generations of HIV Testing.
While ignorance maybe bliss, education & knowledge will keep you safe.
	 
 
	
	
	
		Risk of everything covered
	
	
		Hi all, I'm sure this has been asked but its hard to search this thread, how safe am I doing everything covered (including BJ)? I've seen around 20 providers over the years and I always used a condom for everything I HAVE NOT caught a single std thank god. However, I wasnt aware of the skin on skin stds like herpes or the clap at that time. I do belive I got a fungal infection from a provider before but it wasnt classified as an std and a simple cream got rid of it.
I'm asking because I haven't been into the hobby for about 4 years and am about start again. I'm going to stick to seeing one girl only that claims to do everything covered, not even BBBJ. I'm hoping this will be the safest route.