What do they test for?
 

Hi all,

Just a quick question. I have read that they'll do a blood test and for a medical class 1 certificate you need to fill in an application form which asks if you have had any STD's.

Frankly I do not know, so I answer no, but would it be something they test for?

In summary, no, not as a routine. During an initial Class 1 examination blood haemoglobin levels will be checked (fingerprick test) and cholesterol level. A urine sample will also be required but this is to screen for blood, sugar and protein in the urine (which could be indicative of problems with the kidneys and/or bladder and diabetes for example) rather than any STD.

See Initial Class 1 (Professional Pilot) Medical Examination | Medical | Personal Licences and Training and http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/1859/20111...tsAndATCOs.pdf for more detailed information on what to expect.

Thank you for the answer and the links.

In my case however they took two vials of blood. They told me it was sent to a lab for further testing (they did mention vaguely hemoglobine and cholesterol testing). I read STD's would be disqualifying in general if the effects would affect the normal functioning of a person and HIV would be disqualifying in any case.

So I pressume that at least they would test it for HIV? And I am reluctant to go see a GP and get tested for any STD. It is still quite a taboo and the social pressure is quite killing for me. So if it would be something they have tested for, I can be relieved to know that I do not have any. In the other case I know that at least I do not have any signs (as of yet) which would indicate I have any STD, as I pressume this would show up in urine/blood as organs would be malfunctioning.

But if they do not test for any STD, well that would still leave me with a chance that I could have any. In that case I will get tested some day, just to be sure, because I did take some risk in the past and I read that something like Syphilis could take years to develop and become really serious if left untreated.

Used to fly with a chap who was a bit of a sex fiend. Once a year he'd take himself off to Vietnam for a fortnight and engage in repeated sex with any woman, in or out of a bordello, that he could get into. He never took precautions. On his return he'd wander in to his local doctor's clinic and have a full blood make up for STDs and AIDs. We of lesser sexual predilections always used to be amazed at the significant trauma he put himself through every year while he waited for the results. This was quite some time ago too, when AIDs was an absolute stigma as well as being in short supply of treatments.
Syphilis can take years to get to the tertiary stage and by then the brain has effectively rotted and treatment, let alone a transplant, is difficult. STD has yet to be described as Silently Terminal Droop but the jingle will be along shortly.

And you are saying?

I wouldn't describe myself as a sex fiend and I rather be safe than sorry, but one occasion I have put myself at risk. So if they did not test for STD's for a class 1, well I would still need to get that test to be absolutely sure I did not contract any STD. I guess (for me) the worrying part as well is that what if they would find one, what this could imply for my career as an airman.

So I am quite reluctant to get tested as so far I did not have any true symptoms, despite the time that has gone by already, but not knowing for sure it still gnaws at me. But if the answer to my initial question is no, I'll find a way...it then becomes a personal matter..

So this thread may be locked and I would thank you for your contributions..

No they do not test for STD, so go get yourself tested. If all is negative, dont be so silly as to take risks in the future. If it is positive, you get treated hopefully before you develop any secondary problems. In most cases it wont stop you flying.

What is not acceptable, nor indeed legal, is to continue as you are if you believe there is a significant risk of being infected and not declaring it

Obvious stuff will show up, a tender testicle, genital warts, leucocytes on urinalysis, but the medical isn't specifically designed for std's.

Very different climate out there nowadays, sexual "disease" is blended with sexual "health."

Most of my more athletic patients seem to attend for "routine checks" yearly, as par for the course, and non report any "victim blaming" or tut tutting judgements.

Interestingly, in the UK, the Sexual Health Clinics are so so so confidential.

But back on thread Gingernut, no AME has ever got near to checking me for warts - genital or any other - and obviously I don't have tender testicles

So no they dont check for STD

I'm sure we are on the same same side Rad, I'd agree, check is the best way forward.

Posts from carvortingcheetah and the like seem to have put most serious posters from posting which is a shame, are you posting elsewhere ?

Obviously I can't speak for 'the like' but the clinically misplaced point of cc's post was that if in doubt as to contamination then the only sensible way forward is to bite the bullet and get tested. The wait of a week or so for those results will be far less traumatic than the eventual realisation that something nasty this way has indeed come.

I think it's okay to have a laugh cavorting, but can't help thinking that this forum has lost some of it's usefulness, chatting to some of the other former posters, they get a bit tired of wading through the treacle.

Maybe I'm wrong:ooh:

So in the diagnostic vein appropriate to the ailment under discussion one will attempt from henceforth only to consider the spotted dick without treacle, as it were.