HIV/ std question to all performers

[David Lever]

I'm doing a straw poll as to how many of you would be interested in extending the HIV/Std test validity period to say 5 or 6 weeks. This is because many testing facilities take between 7 -10 days to inform of the results. This of course results in the tests only having a 3 week validity at present.

[John Mason]

With all the 'nasties' that have been floating about recently, I think this might be a bit premature.
The real question is how can we get the NHS trust clinics to 'pull their fingers out', and recognise that we are trying to work with them and not have them working against us!

[David Lever]

I was under the impression that it took up to 3 months for HIV to be detected. Hence my previous suggestion that with the 30 day test, you could theoretically have people having "all clear" tests, when in fact they are simply incubating the disease. Of course the stds can be detected within a couple of weeks.
My idea is simply a practical one, to give people an extra week on their tests. It also seems a little stupid that top performers who may do10 scenes a week have the same stipulation for tests as some performers who may do only 3 or 4 scenes a month.
Maybe some "Log book" system would be good, where you were tested after x number of scenes.

[chuckstar]

Im one of the guys who is only getting a 3-4 shoots amonth at present..hint hint if any one needs a relaible stud..., and as far as im aware there is a 3 month incubation period for hiv. Im not sure if teh US test catches it any quicker, but im sure ive been told in the past that the DNA style test wont see it really untill it starts to kick. Thens its a bit late!!! I think there maybe a small window at infection point, like 3 days after infection that it can be seen. But thats only if you feel youve been at risk and get to a clinic within this short window. Maybe we should have an icubation period here for ovr seas workers, but who knows whos been away ? They could fib!

The monthly test I do agree with, as youll catch it sooner than later, but if your gonna catch it...you are. The monthly does help catch the littler nasties earlier so it should stay. HIv isnt the easiest thing to catch compared to other bugs ( well...kinda), so the idea of extending back out the test dates maybe an idea...but as said there are a lot of nasties floating. Ive been lucky not to get them but hay!

The clinics are doint their best to get us our certs asap. but certain test have to be done over a period if im correct, and so doing them quicker may not be efficiant, and would put teh clinics under stress. With that , mistakes may occur, and i dont fancy being told im one of the people they messed up.

Im not sure theres a real perfect answer for this, but if the clinics work with you, and my one is brilliant, you can have an easier time of it.

Chuck Starr

[pheonix]

Hi Guys,

I think that Certs are pretty much a waste of time and think that you should shoot with a condom. Like people said HIV can take a while to be detected.

Whats to say that you are tested and given the all clear, but then you have 5 - 6 weeks working with other people and passing it on. You are never really given the all clear!

Pheonix

[colin]

is that right?? what a terrible thought. what if any of these performers are bi? what a recipe for disaster!!!

[chuckstar]

EEEEK! Dont even wonna think about that!

Chuck Starr

[David Lever]

I think you'll find that most gay performers use condoms as a matter of course these days. Not necessarily because they have HIV.