Are you up to date with your sexual health screenings? You should schedule STD tests regularly if you are sexually active to prevent any health issues that may arise. You might be wondering:
- Do I have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
- Can blood tests detect an STD in me?
- When hospitals draw blood, do they test for STDs?
Your blood sample will not be tested for STDs automatically by hospitals. You must request STD testing. We offers a rapid STD test that is accurate. Contact them today.
The Basic Function Of Blood Testing
Have you ever wondered why doctors take your blood at a clinic when you go there? Blood tests reveal deficiencies and can be used to detect diseases early.
Your doctor will review your blood test data to determine if you fall within the normal range. Data points that represent a normal range may vary depending on:
- Gender
- Race
- Age
Your blood test results could be abnormal and indicate that you have a health problem. There are many causes of abnormal test results. Not all of these require treatment. Some problems resolve themselves.
If you’re a woman and have your blood tested on the day when your period is the heaviest, your iron level may be slightly lower than average. If you get blood tests done on a non-menstruating day, your iron levels may be normal.
You should discuss your medical concerns with your doctor and pay attention to his professional advice. After receiving your test results, the doctor can give you medical advice. For example, they may suggest taking supplements or beginning a treatment program.
What are they looking for when they test blood at the hospital
The hospital will perform a number of routine blood tests on their patients, including
- Complete blood count (CBC) test that looks for signs of anemia, cancer, heart disease and other indicators. It also checks for bleeding and clotting issues, as well as any signs of infection.
- Blood chemistry tests can be used to assess the health of your organs, muscles and bones
Other types of blood tests
Additional blood tests include:
- A test for thyroid function: The thyroid is responsible for regulating your mood, energy, metabolism and other factors.
- Basal metabolic panel: This blood test is necessary to diagnose hormone imbalances, diabetes, and liver disease.
Do They Test For STDs When You Get Blood Work?
Some health-conscious people who ask, “Does the hospital test for STDs when they take blood?” may be misinformed on how to identify STDs. Some STDs can be detected via blood tests. However, for more accurate results, doctors usually combine a blood test with a swab and urine test.
A visual examination of sores, or microscopic examinations of bacterial cultures are other ways to test for STDs.
Lab technicians can diagnose some STDs accurately with urine samples. The Human Papillomavirus does not need blood tests either; instead, labs use a Pap smear along with a HPV test.
If you have symptoms, your doctor will not test for STDs as part of your routine blood work. Contact testinng to order a 10-panel STD test if you’re concerned about sexually-transmitted diseases.
STD Detection Through Blood Test
You and your partner could both be at risk of an STD if you have unprotected sexual contact or engage in sex with multiple partners. Sexually active adults should book regular blood tests in order to prevent STDs from spreading.
Herpes
Most people associate herpes with large sores on the mouth and infected genitals. Herpes symptoms are not necessary for transmission. It is possible that you may not be aware of your infection or the one of your partner. Therefore, it is important to have regular STD testing.
The lab technician will test your blood for HSV-1 or HSV-2. You are positive for genital or oral herpes if these strains are detected. A test for immunoglobulin will reveal whether you have had an infection in the past.
Herpes can be a difficult STD to control because it is often spread unknowingly. Regular blood tests will help you determine if the disease has been contracted. Once you receive a diagnosis, you will be able to seek treatment and follow the proper precautions.
HIV
HIV is the virus which causes acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV is not curable, but you can manage your symptoms with your doctor and prevent transmission.
Your doctor will take a blood sample by completing either a capillary drawing or a venipuncture. The blood sample is then tested to determine if HIV-1 or HIV-2 antibodies are present. You could be HIV-positive if you have antibodies to HIV-1 or HIV-2.
HIV positive diagnosis requires a second confirmation test. Consistently taking HIV medication will help you to manage your symptoms and protect others if you are HIV positive.
Syphilis
When your immune system comes under attack by an infection, antibodies are produced. These antibodies are detected by lab technicians during blood tests as an indication that the body is fighting a disease.
Two blood tests that technicians use are the rapid plasma regain test (RPR) or the venereal diseases research laboratory test (VDRL). Both of these tests look for antibodies to Syphilis. These tests can indicate whether you have had a previous Syphillis infection.
Hepatitis B
Three blood tests are available for Hepatitis-B.
The Antigen test : If your test is positive, you could be infectious and spread Hepatitis to others.
The Anti HBs Test – If your test is positive, then you are immune to Hepatitis. You may be immune to Hepatitis C because you have already had it, or because you were vaccinated. You won’t pass the virus on to anyone else.
Anti-HBc test: If your results are positive, you could have chronic infectious Hepatitis B. You may spread the virus.
People at high risk for contracting Hepatitis-B are typically:
- Sexual relationships that are not monogamous
- Sexual relations with an Hepatitis B positive partner
- Injection-based drug use
- Blood handling careers are a profession.
- Same-sex relationships
The doctors recommend that all people, regardless of their sexual history, receive a Hepatitis-B vaccination.
Ask your doctor if they do STD tests when they draw your blood. Your tests may not have included an STD screen unless you specifically requested it, so you’re still at risk.
How To Prepare For A Blood Test
You may have some questions if you’ve scheduled a blood-test because you think you have an STD.
- Is fasting required? The type of blood test that you have will determine the requirements for fasting. You will be informed by your doctor if you are required to fast.
- Should you pause your medications? Certain vitamins, antibiotics, antidepressants and beta-blockers can affect the results of your tests. Your doctor can advise you on how to safely stop your medication.
- What happens if you faint or feel dizzy? Drink plenty of water before. Hydration makes it easier to tap your veins and may reduce lightheadedness. If you are feeling faint, your doctor may provide you with a juice or cookie.
- Do they test for STDs when you have blood tests? STD testing is not included in the blood work done at your annual physical unless you specifically request it.
- Does the hospital test for STDs when they take blood samples? No. You need to request STD tests.
- Does Insurance Cover STD Tests ? Are you a woman aged under 24 or at high risk for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis? You are entitled to free HIV and syphilis screenings if you are a male.
- Is it possible to get STD testing for free ? Yes. But be careful not to risk an incorrect diagnosis by using low-quality clinics.
