Stopping the reception of blood test results

[UncleOfAsa]

Hello all. Nice to see you again. I have had a blood test done that I didn't really want. I was stressed and all over the place. Anyway, I don't want to know the results. Could anyone give me advice please on what to do as a patient to prevent getting the results? Is there a term a patient can declare to not know the results, possibly something similar to a DNR order? Thanks to all for the responses. It's greatly appreciated.

There are charities which can help you process your risk, testing and results and offer counselling. Terrence Higgins Trust, Positively uk et al.

In my experience of (regular) blood tests is that if everything is normal, they are available to view on the NHS app (if you don’t have this then you can call GP practice), and they will only call you or arrange an appointment if there is anything flagged that is of concern. Not sure if that’s the same with STI / HIV screenings but I would assume that if you don’t hear within a week, you’re clear.

I must say though, I’m concerned that you say you have a lot of sexual partners and that you would rather not know if you have an illness that can lead to death. I would understand that if only your health was at risk, however you can potentially be putting others at serious risk by not taking the correct precautions. Even if you make the decision to abstain from sex, what about sustaining an injury and exposing members of the public or emergency services to something they need to be aware of to act upon? You need to work on your health anxiety and learn to separate your own emotions from the bigger picture.

It’s always your choice on whether or not to accept pep or my other medication. If my result was positive I’d accept pep. If it was negative it isn’t needed.

I understand your worry, but the likelihood of catching HIV from a discarded needle is incredibly rare.

I managed to needlestick myself with a needle directly after taking blood from someone with HIV (I know, I know - it was the middle of the night, a different hospital with different collecting system and I misunderstood how to disconnect the needle, and stuck what I thought was blunt plastic straight into my thumb!)

Anyway, I didn't get HIV.

And I've been around body fluids from patients with HIV a lot, and not caught anything.

So in terms of your worry, please be reassured that it is overwhelmingly likely that you're fine.

@UncleOfAsa Why do you think HIV will kill you? It is now a chronic condition in many ways like diabetes that can be managed life long with medication. If you were diabetic, would you want to know? (Untreated diabetes can and does kill). I understand you have health anxiety and your thinking is black and white in terms of how you see HIV but it is unlikely to result in your death UNLESS you leave it untreated. And that applies to many other health conditions as well.

Sorry to hear about your mother, however this is not the same. HIV might for the moment be incurable, however it IS treatable. People today live pretty much the same lifespan with it as people without HIV. However, this is dependent on going on medication which is really well tolerated and effective in controlling the virus. I expect at some point in the future to die with HIV, however I will not be dying because of HIV. I live my life as I dud before and can have partners and not be at any risk of passing it onto them even without using condoms.

You mentioned being homosexual and having had several partners and never tested. Anyone, with the right conditions, could potentially contract HIV whether gay or straight, man or woman. About a third of people living with HIV in the UK are women. There are also other STIs that are far more easy to contract than HIV, but which can be effectively treated.

Honestly, it is so much better to know and being in control, rather than not test and continue to worry or be in denial. Our clinics are great, non judgemental, used to dealing with complex patients with some offering services to people with other health conditions that might be more easier to access than in the general population especially in London.

How about contacting THT Direct to have a chat? You honestly have nothing to lose by doing so and reassurance either way can be massively beneficial https://tht.org.uk/get-help/services/tht-direct-helpline

I'm sorry you've had such a stressful and scary experience op. Fwiw I know a few men who do have hiv. They take medication and live full and healthy lives. This is also really important as it means they can continue having intimate relationships without risking transmission to others.

It sounds like your decision is being affected by some of the (very outdated) info we would have seen about hiv and aids previously (I'm about your age). That's just not the case any more it is not a death sentence.

Listening to you writing what I think you actually maybe need are some clear facts so you can then make an informed decision.

So what I would do is actually book an appointment with your gp and tell them what exactly is worrying you and ask them to give you concrete facts about this so you can decide whether or not you want the test results. You could write a list of questions before you go so you don't need to think about what to ask when you get there. This would also give you a 'place to put' those worries while you wait for your appointment.

I really do believe that if you get some good clear factual information about hiv and aids and how it actually is managed really well now, you'll feel much, much better about things. The unknown is always worse than the known when it comes to anxiety.

You could pick up all sorts from a dirty needle, you need to know the results. Most things are curable or at worst treatable these days, but not if you don't find out, it would be daft to get really ill from something that could be easily treated.

It's not just a risk of HIV.

I'm interested as to what you mean by "something incurable " ?

Are you afraid you'll be told you'll die and left to get on with it?

As a teen I was a diagnosed with a severe, incurable, autoimmune condition. Getting the diagnosis didn't condemn me, it saved me because although I still live with a condition it's manageable and I've lived a full and normal life. Not getting the diagnosis would have killed me in a messy, painful, drawn out death.

Your choices are this:

1. get the results, find out they're negative and be freed from your anxiety & fear
2. get the results, get a positive result, get treatment, be well and be freed from your anxiety & fear
3. ignore and its negative- live the rest of your life in terror for no reason
4. ignore and its positive - wait until you get dreadfully ill, potentially die a drawn out death while putting numerous others at risk of also suffering the same

I understand you're facing up to potential consequences of your previous love life but do you want to be trapped feeling like this forever?

You could be free.

This is an excellent post - you can talk to your gp about your worries without finding out the results.

How long ago did you have the blood tests? I always thought the doctors would contact you if there was anything untoward showing. Where I live they either call or send a text saying they’d like you to make an appointment.

Can I also add that even if they do message you it’s not necessarily to say there’s a problem. This is obviously stressful for you so they may call to see where you are mentally.

Although some GPs are knowledgeable, not all are in being able to answer any and all questions about HIV.

The best thing to do would actually be to contact THT Direct or chat to somebody at a sexual health clinic to talk over any concerns and get accurate up-to-date information.

It’s highly unlikely you have HIV. Less than 3,000 people were diagnosed with it in the Uk in 2024 and it goes down every single year.

But if you did there is medication now that lets you live a long and normal life unable to transmit to others and without any symptoms… but you can only get the medication if you know the results.

Thanks everyone. You've all really helped me through a difficult time. And I appreciate those who have opened up with their personal stories. I am bricking it but the post which said the doctors would call if something was up has calmed me a little, thank you. I will take a look at the Terrace Higgins Trust website. My understanding is that HIV can't generally be cured but it can be kept at bay to prevent life threatening problems. I don't know if I could cope with monthly tests even if I feel healthy, I'd feel in limbo every month with my health anxiety. The people who do that are very brave and commendable. I know that a man in England was said to be cured of HIV with a bone marrow transplant but I think that was a unique case but of course gives hope for those with the diagnosis. I need to get my hospital letter from my brother. I accidentally left them at his and he has hidden them from me and won't give them back which is out of order. A big thanks to all.

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better. It's worth remembering that the speed with which they're moving towards a cure for HIV is like nothing else - I've seen news about major breakthroughs every few years. If a person a diagnosed today, chances are good they'll see a cure in their lifetime.