Blood Drug Testing

Is there a special test for HIV or can they find out with routine blood tests?

Our company gives us yearly check-ups. I don't know what kind of tests we get but basically they take my urine, and draw blood from my finger and from my elbow. I was wondering if they could determine if i HIV by the tests that they are currently doing or should I have myself tested specifically for HIV.

Public Comments

1. They will probably run the tests themselves.
2. Hiv is tested by blood and taken by a vain in your elbow, i would imagine it would be highly illegal for them to test you for hiv with out your knowledge
3. In most countries you must give informed consent for an HIV test. They can test it from blood, but will probably take a separate sample (extra tube). Again, you should have to give consent to be tested for HIV because it requires pretest and post-test counselling.
4. Okay..I am a nurse...uh...no they are not testing you for HIV it requires more blood than what you get from a finger prick...and HIV testing does not require pretesting counseling...maybe POST if it is positive. You don't have to give written permission...these days when a woman has a baby it is MANDATORY that she is tested for HIV and they tell you that when you are pregnant....they don't give women the option anymore. You are tested when you are pregnant and tested again when you are in labor. And the vein in your elbow is called the AC and that is not the only place they will draw to get your blood...its just that a HIV test has to be specifically requested because it is usually a 'send out' and that is why it takes longer to get back.
5. Because HIV is so heavily politicized, they are not allowed to test you for it without your specific consent. If they did not have you sign a paper specifically giving them permission to test you for HIV, then they did not run that test. Annual check-ups are more likely checking things like your cholesterol. If you are interested in STD testing, HIV specifically, just ask your doctor to do the tests, or go to a clinic for cheap and easy screening. Testing is worth doing regularly if you are sexually active and not in an exclusive long-term relationship.
6. There is a very specific test for HIV. In the US, it is illegal to test you for HIV without having you sign a special, specific release. If you ask for an HIV test, they give you a different release. Your company probably really doesn't want toknow if you have HIV. Too much lawsuit risk. Technologically, they certainly could do a test from a drop of blood. It is possible, we have the technology. They can do it by swabbing the inside of your mouth, now.