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HealthCheckUSA News Alert: D.C. to Offer STD Tests In Every High School

Category : std testing


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Written By Darryl Fears and Nelson Hernandez, Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, August 5, 2009

D.C. school officials are planning to offer STD lab tests for sexually transmitted diseases to all high school students in the coming school year, expanding a pilot program that uncovered a significant number of infected children.

The program conducted last year at eight high schools found that 13 percent of about 3,000 students tested positive for an STD, mostly gonorrhea or chlamydia, according to the D.C. Department of Health.

The expansion places D.C. public schools in the vanguard of a growing number of urban school districts that test adolescents for STDs. About 12,000 students attend public high schools in the District.

STDs are of particular concern to AIDS activists because they increase the risk of contracting HIV. The testing program was hailed in a report being released Wednesday by the D.C. Appleseed Center for Law and Justice as a positive step in the city’s effort to arrest its growing AIDS rate, which is the highest in the nation and is considered an epidemic. Half of the city’s cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea are among adolescents.

The program, which has been discussed by the D.C. school board, requires students to attend a lecture about STDs, but they can opt out of providing a urine sample for the test. All 50 states and the District allow minors older than 12 to be screened for STDs without parental consent.

“The program tells us that a lot of students in the public school system are engaging in unsafe sex,” said Walter Smith, executive director of D.C. Appleseed, which advocates for more AIDS outreach and education in the schools. “If 13 percent of these students are testing positive for STDs, those same kids could get HIV. A lot needs to be done to get the message out to the schools . . . and this very high STD rate is an indication that what we’ve been doing is not effective.”

In a 2007 study by the D.C. public school system, 60 percent of high school students and 30 percent of middle school students reported having had intercourse. Twenty percent of the high school students said they had had sex with four or more partners, and 12 percent of the middle school students said they had had three or more partners.

The D.C. schools first offered the tests two years ago at two charter schools. Health department workers presented a lecture on STDs to groups of 20 to 30 students in grades 9 through 12; none of the students was younger than 15. After the lecture, students were invited to submit urine samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing at a health department laboratory.

Of 987 students who attended the lectures, 68 percent submitted urine specimens, according to a report. Of those students, 9 percent tested positive for at least one STD.

Test results were provided confidentially by telephone, and the city paid for treatment at the school or an STD clinic. Students who decided to be treated by a family physician were responsible for their own payments. Students were counseled about STDs and HIV prevention, were given notification cards to inform partners of the positive diagnosis and were encouraged to share the results with their parents.

In the past school year, the program was modified and expanded to eight high schools: Ballou, Banneker, Anacostia and Dunbar high schools, Moore Academy and Choice Academy, and two charter schools, Rock Creek Academy and High Road Academy. In those schools, a 45-minute lecture was given, followed by a question-and-answer period, officials said.

Chad Ferguson, deputy chief of youth engagement for the D.C. schools, said the tests are administered by taking groups of 15 to 20 students at a time to the restroom area. The students are given paper bags containing urine collection cups and enter bathroom stalls. Once they get in the stalls, they can choose whether or not to provide urine samples. All the students return the paper bags, so other students do not necessarily know who did or did not provide a sample. Students provide a password and then call in a week later to get their result and treatment, if necessary.

The D.C. STD testing program is a near copy of a Philadelphia program that began in 2002. In the 2004-05 school year, 30,000 students in 53 high schools attended presentations, and 16,000 submitted specimens for testing, according to a report by the Philadelphia Department of Health. More than 4 percent tested positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea or both.

School systems in New York, Chicago, New Orleans and Baltimore, among others, either perform screening for sexually transmitted diseases or are preparing to begin pilot programs. In Baltimore, no parental consent is required. In New York, parents can elect to not have their child tested. In New Orleans, a parent must give consent for a child to take the test.

“We have Third World statistics in terms of our HIV issues, and from the HIV perspective, we do need to find a way to identify students so that we can help them,” said William Lockridge, a member of the State Board of Education representing Ward 8.

But he said parents need to be involved. “Right now, if you play sports in a public school, you have to get permission from your parents. If you take a field trip, you have to get permission from your parents. Why would it be any less for this? . . . Only if the parent gives the consent upfront would I do this.”

D.C. Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large) offered a different viewpoint. “This isn’t necessarily intended to comfort adults,” said Catania, who chairs the health committee. “I don’t think you turn a blind eye and pretend these problems don’t exist.”

Catania said he has not heard much community opposition to the testing. “In this regard, I find our population to be extremely secure,” he said. “I’m not condoning this behavior. I don’t think young people are equipped for the consequences of engaging in sex, but the fact is that they do.”

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 1.1 million new cases were reported in 2007, up from 1 million the previous year.

Because the condition is mainly asymptomatic, most cases of chlamydia go undiagnosed. The CDC estimates that there are actually about 2.8 million new cases of chlamydia in the country each year, indicating that more than 1 million are undiagnosed. Symptoms include an inflamed pelvis and chronic pelvic pain, similar to symptoms for gonorrhea.

HealthCheckUSA offers many STD lab tests that are affordable and do not require a doctor’s prescription. We have over 5,000 lab locations throughout the United States.

Recommended STD Lab Tests

  • HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test
  • Hepatitis STD Panel (A, B and C)
  • Chlamydia Antibody STD Test
  • Syphilis (RPR) STD Lab Test
  • Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel
  • Basic Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

  • HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood, urine and saliva tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price. HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available by fax to you or your doctor, or by mail to you (please allow 10 working days for mailing). Results are also available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days. An information sheet with an explanation of each test, including normal reference ranges, accompanies all results.

    Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

    HealthCheckUSA Health Alert: STD Testing Recommendations Part 2

    Category : std testing


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    STD Lab Testing Recommendations: Part 2

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    Testing for a disease in someone who doesn’t have symptoms is called screening. Most of the time, STD screening is not a routine part of health care. But there are exceptions:

    Everyone:
    The one STD screening test suggested for everyone between the ages of 13 and 65 is a blood test or saliva test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Most health care settings in the United States offer a rapid HIV test with same-day results.

  • HIV-1 Test Kit with Next Day Results

  • STD Screening for HIV, hepatitis B, Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis generally takes place at the first prenatal visit. A blood test to detect HSV type 2 infections is recommended for pregnant women with current or past partners who have genital herpes.

  • HIV-1 Test Kit with Next Day Results
  • Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel
  • Young Women who are Sexually Active:
    All sexually active women under age 25 should be tested for Chlamydia infection. The Chlamydia STD test uses a sample of urine or vaginal fluid you can collect yourself. Some experts recommend repeating the Chlamydia STD test three months after you’ve had a positive test and been treated. The second STD test is needed to confirm that the infection is cured, as reinfection by an untreated or undertreated partner is common. A bout of Chlamydia doesn’t protect you from future exposures. You can catch the infection again and again, so you should get retested when you have a new partner.

    Women ages 21 to 66:
    The Pap test screens for cervical abnormalities, including inflammation, precancerous changes and cancer, which is caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). From ages 21 to 66, women should have a Pap test at least every three years. Women who start having sex before age 21 should have a Pap test within three years of first intercourse.

    Men who have sex with men:
    Compared with other groups, men who have sex with men run a much higher risk of catching STDs. Many public health groups recommend annual or more frequent STD testing for these men. Regular tests for HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and syphilis are particularly important.

  • HIV-1 Test Kit with Next Day Results
  • HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test
  • Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel
  • People with HIV:
    If you have HIV, it dramatically raises your risk of catching other STDs. Experts recommend frequent syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and herpes STD tests for people with HIV. Women with HIV may develop aggressive cervical cancer, so they should have Pap tests twice a year to screen for HPV. Some experts also recommend regular HPV STD screening of HIV-infected men who risk anal cancer from HPV contracted anally.

  • HIV-1 Test Kit with Next Day Results
  • HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test
  • Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel
  • Vaccination for STDs
    Vaccines are available to prevent two viral STDs that can cause cancer — human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all girls between ages 9 and 26, and the hepatitis B vaccine is usually given to newborns.

    Partner notification and preventive treatment
    If STD lab tests show that you have an STD, your sex partners — including your current partners and any other partners you’ve had over the last three months to one year — need to be informed so that they can get STD lab tested and treated if infected. Public health regulations require doctors to report all cases of syphilis and HIV to the local or state health department, which employs trained disease intervention specialists who will work with you — and sometimes with your doctor — to identify your partners, inform them of their exposure and get them tested and treated. In some states and counties, the health department also notifies partners exposed to gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

    Official, confidential partner notification effectively limits the spread of STDs, particularly syphilis and HIV. The practice also steers those at risk toward appropriate counseling and treatment. Finally, since you can contract some STDs more than once, partner notification reduces your risk of getting reinfected.

    Depending on your circumstances, you might prefer to be the one who breaks the bad news to your partner, and that’s certainly an option. Your disease intervention specialist may help you prepare and make a contract with you to go through with the conversation within a set amount of time. If your partner hasn’t been treated by that time, the health department picks up with its usual partner notification procedure.

    In an approach called expedited partner treatment, the staff at an STD clinic will treat an exposed partner without doing a full medical evaluation. When you’re diagnosed with Chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis, your doctor may prescribe enough medication to treat both you and your partner. This approach is called patient-delivered partner treatment.

    Safer sex
    Thanks to improved STD lab testing and treatment, most people with access to health care no longer face all the dreadful consequences of STDs. Still, there is no room for complacency. One risky encounter is unlikely to cost you your life, but it could really mess up your future. These guidelines offer the greatest possible margin of safety.
    • Don’t have sex in any way that puts you and your partner in direct contact with each other’s blood, semen or other body fluids.
    • Avoid vaginal and anal intercourse with new partners until you have both been tested for STDs. Oral sex is less risky, but use a latex condom or dental dam to prevent direct contact between the oral and genital mucosa.
    • Use a latex condom every time you have intercourse.
    • Never use an oil-based lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, with a latex condom.
    • Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs. If you’re under the influence, you’re more likely to take sexual risks.
    • Don’t look for sex partners online or in bars or other pickup places.
    • Before any serious sexual contact, communicate with your partner about practicing safer sex. Reach an explicit agreement about what activities will and won’t be OK.
    • Stay with one sex partner who doesn’t have any STDs and who won’t have sex with anyone but you.

    HealthCheckUSA offers many STD lab tests that are affordable and do not require a doctor’s prescription. We have over 5,000 lab locations throughout the United States.

    Recommended STD Lab Tests

  • HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test
  • Hepatitis STD Panel (A, B and C)
  • Chlamydia Antibody STD Test
  • Syphilis (RPR) STD Lab Test
  • Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel
  • Basic Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

  • HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood, urine and saliva tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price. HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available by fax to you or your doctor, or by mail to you (please allow 10 working days for mailing). Results are also available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days. An information sheet with an explanation of each test, including normal reference ranges, accompanies all results.

    Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

    HealthCheckUSA STD Alert: STDs and Common Symptoms

    Category : std testing


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    STD Testing Recommendations: 7 STDs and Common Symptoms

    By Mayo Clinic staff

    If you’re having sex, you may also be experiencing STD symptoms. STD symptoms can occur regardless of what type of sex — vaginal, oral or anal — you’re having, or whether you use condoms. Although condoms when correctly and consistently used are highly effective for reducing transmission of STDs, no method (other than abstinence) is 100 percent effective. This is particularly true with certain STDs, such as genital warts and genital herpes.

    STD symptoms can range from subtle to obvious. If you think you’re experiencing STD symptoms, see a doctor to get tested for STDs. Some STD symptoms can be treated easily and eliminated. Other STD symptoms require more involved and long-term treatment.

    Either way, it’s essential to be STD tested via blood or urine, and — if diagnosed with an STD — be treated. It’s also essential to inform any partners so that they can be evaluated and treated. If untreated, STDs can increase your risk of acquiring another STD such as HIV. This happens because an STD can stimulate an immune response in the genital area or cause sores, either of which might make HIV transmission more likely. Some untreated STDs can also lead to infertility.

    Common STDs and their Symptoms

    Chlamydia
    Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of your genital tract. Chlamydia may be difficult for you to detect because early-stage infections often cause few or no signs and symptoms. When they do occur, they usually start one to three weeks after you’ve been exposed to Chlamydia. Even when signs and symptoms do occur, they’re often mild and passing, making them easy to overlook.

    Signs and symptoms may include:
    • Painful urination
    • Lower abdominal pain
    • Vaginal discharge in women
    • Discharge from the penis in men
    • Painful sexual intercourse in women
    • Testicular pain in men

  • Chlamydia Antibody STD Test
  • Gonorrhea
    Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection of your genital tract. The first gonorrhea symptoms generally appear within two to 10 days after exposure. However, some people may be infected for months before signs or symptoms occur. Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea may include:
    • Thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina
    • Pain or burning sensation when urinating
    • Frequent urination
    • Pain during sexual intercourse

    HIV
    HIV is an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV interferes with your body’s ability to effectively fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease, and it can lead to AIDS, a chronic, life-threatening disease.

    When first infected with HIV, you may have no symptoms at all. Some people develop a flu-like illness, usually two to six weeks after being infected. Early HIV symptoms may include:
    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Fatigue
    • Swollen lymph glands
    • Rash

    These early symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for those of another viral infection. During this period, you are very infectious. More persistent or severe symptoms of HIV infection may not appear for 10 years or more after the initial infection.

    As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may develop mild infections or chronic symptoms such as:
    • Swollen lymph nodes — often one of the first signs of HIV infection
    • Diarrhea
    • Weight loss
    • Fever
    • Cough and shortness of breath

    Signs and symptoms of later stage HIV infection include:
    • Persistent, unexplained fatigue
    • Soaking night sweats
    • Shaking chills or fever higher than 100 F (38 C) for several weeks
    • Swelling of lymph nodes for more than three months
    • Chronic diarrhea
    • Persistent headaches

  • HIV-1 Test Kit with Next Day Results
  • Genital herpes
    Genital herpes is highly contagious and caused by a type of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV enters your body through small breaks in your skin or mucous membranes. Most people with HSV never know they have it, because they have no signs or symptoms. The signs and symptoms of HSV can be so mild they go unnoticed. When signs and symptoms are noticeable, the first episode is generally the worst. Some people never experience a second episode. Other people, however, can experience episodes over a period of decades.

    When present, genital herpes symptoms may include:
    • Small, red bumps, blisters (vesicles) or open sores (ulcers) in the genital, anal and nearby areas
    • Pain or itching around your genital area, buttocks or inner thighs

    The initial symptom of genital herpes usually is pain or itching, beginning within a few weeks after exposure to an infected sexual partner. After several days, small, red bumps may appear. They then rupture, becoming ulcers that ooze or bleed. Eventually, scabs form and the ulcers heal.

    In women, sores can erupt in the vaginal area, external genitals, buttocks, anus or cervix. In men, sores can appear on the penis, scrotum, buttocks, anus or thighs, or inside the urethra, the tube from the bladder through the penis.

    While you have ulcers, it may be painful to urinate. You may also experience pain and tenderness in your genital area until the infection clears. During an initial episode, you may have flu-like signs and symptoms, such as headache, muscle aches and fever, as well as swollen lymph nodes in your groin.
    In some cases, the infection can be active and contagious even when sores aren’t present.

  • HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test
  • Genital warts (HPV infection)
    Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are one of the most common types of STDs. The signs and symptoms of genital warts include:
    • Small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in your genital area
    • Several warts close together that take on a cauliflower shape
    • Itching or discomfort in your genital area
    • Bleeding with intercourse
    Often, however, genital warts cause no symptoms. Genital warts may be as small as 1 millimeter in diameter or may multiply into large clusters.
    In women, genital warts can grow on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, the area between the external genitals and the anus, and the cervix. In men, they may occur on the tip or shaft of the penis, the scrotum or the anus. Genital warts can also develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.

    Hepatitis
    Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are all contagious viral infections that affect your liver. Hepatitis B and C are the most serious of the three, but each can cause your liver to become inflamed.

    Some people never develop signs or symptoms. But for those who do, symptoms may occur after several weeks and may include:
    • Fatigue
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs
    • Loss of appetite
    • Fever
    • Dark urine
    • Muscle or joint pain
    • Itching
    • Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

  • Hepatitis STD Panel (A, B and C)
  • Syphilis
    Syphilis is a bacterial infection. The disease affects your genitals, skin and mucous membranes, but it may also involve many other parts of your body, including your brain and your heart.

    The signs and symptoms of syphilis may occur in four stages — primary, secondary, latent and tertiary.

    Primary
    These signs may occur from 10 days to three months after exposure:
    • A small, painless sore (chancre) on the part of your body where the infection was transmitted, usually your genitals, rectum, tongue or lips. A single chancre is typical, but there may be multiple sores.
    • Enlarged lymph nodes.
    Signs and symptoms of primary syphilis typically disappear without treatment, but the underlying disease remains and may reappear in the secondary or third (tertiary) stage.

    Secondary
    The signs and symptoms of secondary syphilis may begin two to 10 weeks after the chancre appears, and may include:
    • Rash marked by red or reddish-brown, penny-sized sores over any area of your body, including your palms and soles
    • Fever
    • Fatigue and a vague feeling of discomfort
    • Soreness and aching
    These signs and symptoms may disappear within a few weeks or repeatedly come and go for as long as a year.

    Latent
    In some people, a period called latent syphilis — in which no symptoms are present — may follow the secondary stage. Signs and symptoms may never return, or the disease may progress to the tertiary stage.

    Tertiary
    Without treatment, syphilis bacteria may spread, leading to serious internal organ damage and death years after the original infection.
    Some of the signs and symptoms of tertiary syphilis include:
    • Neurological problems. These may include stroke and infection and inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Other problems may include poor muscle coordination, numbness, paralysis, deafness or visual problems. Personality changes and dementia also are possible.
    • Cardiovascular problems. These may include bulging (aneurysm) and inflammation of the aorta — your body’s major artery — and of other blood vessels. Syphilis may also cause valvular heart disease, such as aortic valve problems.
    If you suspect you have an STD, see your doctor.

    If you suspect you have these or other STDs or that you may have been exposed to one, see your doctor for STD testing. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid or delay more severe, potentially life-threatening health problems and to avoid infecting others.

  • Syphilis (RPR) STD Lab Test
  • HealthCheckUSA offers many STD lab tests that are affordable and do not require a doctor’s prescription. We have over 5,000 lab locations throughout the United States.

    Recommended STD Lab Tests

  • HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test
  • Hepatitis STD Panel (A, B and C)
  • Chlamydia Antibody STD Test
  • Syphilis (RPR) STD Lab Test
  • Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel
  • Basic Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

  • HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood, urine and saliva tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price. HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available by fax to you or your doctor, or by mail to you (please allow 10 working days for mailing). Results are also available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days. An information sheet with an explanation of each test, including normal reference ranges, accompanies all results.

    Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

    HealthCheckUSA Health Alert: STD Testing Recommendations

    Category : Blood Testing, std testing


    Low Cost STD Lab Tests From HealthCheckUSA

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    STD Testing Recommendations: Part 1

    By Mayo Clinic staff , Mary Gallenberg, M.D.

    STD testing: What to know before your appointment
    Not all doctors perform the same lab tests for sexually transmitted diseases, known as STD testing. Learn which STD lab tests you may need, which you might have to ask for and the limitations of STD testing.

    If you’re sexually active, particularly with multiple partners, you’ve probably heard the following advice many times — use protection and make sure you and your partners receive routine STD testing. But what’s included in routine STD testing? Not all doctors test for the same STDs. And some STDs — some of which can’t be fully prevented by condom use — can’t be tested for. So even if you ask your doctor to test you for everything, this doesn’t mean that you or your partner will be screened for or clear of all STDs.

    The only way to fully protect yourself against STDs is to abstain from sex. However, if you’ve decided to be sexually active, routine STD testing is important to managing your health. Mary Gallenberg, M.D., a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., helps clarify what kinds of STD tests are important and how to ensure you get them.

    If you’re sexually active, what routine STD lab tests are most important?

    STD Lab Testing For Women:
    At a minimum, get a Pap smear — a simple procedure that collects cells from your cervix to test for cancer or precancerous changes. This type of cancer can arise as a result of a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection — a common STD. Pap smears are recommended for women who are age 21 and older or no later than three years after a woman’s first intercourse. If you’re a woman between age 30 and 69, you may only need a Pap smear every two to three years if you’ve had three normal Pap smears in a row and have had no new sexual partners.

    STD Lab Testing For Men:
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines don’t suggest routine STD screening if you don’t have any symptoms, unless your sexual practices include having sex with men.

    If you are a man who has sex with men, annual screening for HIV, syphilis, Chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended. HIV and syphilis can be life-threatening if untreated, and Chlamydia and gonorrhea can put you at greater risk of acquiring HIV and other STDs.

    STD Lab Testing For Men and Women:
    Also see your doctor for STD testing if you have any signs such as genital sores, including fluid-filled blisters, ulcerations or warts, or if you have unusual discharge from your penis or vagina. If you’re a woman, abdominal pain or fever along with unusual discharge may indicate pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — an STD-related condition that can cause infertility.

    The CDC also encourages voluntary HIV testing, at least once, as a routine part of medical care if you are an adolescent or adult between the ages of 13 to 64. The CDC advises yearly HIV testing if you are at high risk of infection, for example if you’ve had unprotected sex with more than one sexual partner since your last screening.

    What other STD testing do you recommend?
    First, don’t assume that during an annual exam or Pap smear that you’re also receiving STD testing. This may not be the case. If you think you need STD testing, you must request it from your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and what tests you’d like or need.

    Gonorrhea and Chlamydia STD Testing
    If you are a sexually active girl or woman under age 24, or a woman older than 24 and at risk of STDs — for example you are having sex with a new partner or multiple partners — get screened annually for gonorrhea and Chlamydia. If untreated, these infections can cause PID in women. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can also significantly increase your risk of acquiring other STDs like HIV. If you are a man who has sex with men, get tested for these infections at least annually.
    Gonorrhea and Chlamydia screening is either done through a urine test or through a swab inside the penis in men or from the inside of the cervix in women. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory. Screening is important, because you can be unaware that you have either infection. For example, approximately 80 percent of women and 50 percent of men diagnosed with Chlamydia don’t have symptoms at the time of diagnosis.

    Syphilis, hepatitis and HIV STD Testing
    If you test positive for gonorrhea or Chlamydia, you’re at greater risk of other STDs such as syphilis, HIV and hepatitis and should get tested for these infections.

    In addition, request HIV, syphilis and hepatitis testing if you:
    • Have had more than one sexual partner since your last screening
    • Use IV drugs
    • Are a man who has sex with men
    • Are concerned you’ve been exposed

    Your doctor tests you for syphilis by taking either a blood sample or a swab from any genital sores you might have. The sample is examined in a laboratory. A blood sample is taken to test for HIV and hepatitis A and B.

    It’s possible that you may test negative for syphilis or HIV if you’ve only just recently acquired the infection. If you or your doctor suspects this is the case, you may need to be rescreened at a later date. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.
    Consider vaccination for hepatitis A and B. You can prevent these infections by receiving the vaccines.

    What about other common STDs like genital herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection?

    Genital herpes and STD Testing
    Unfortunately, no good screening STD test exists for herpes, a viral infection that can be transmitted even when a person doesn’t have symptoms. Your doctor may take a tissue scraping or culture of blisters or early ulcers, if you have them, for examination in a laboratory. But a negative test doesn’t rule out herpes as a cause for genital ulcerations.

    A blood test may also help detect a herpes infection, but, again, results aren’t always conclusive, particularly if you’re not experiencing signs and symptoms of an active stage. Some blood tests don’t distinguish between types 1 and 2 of the herpes virus. Type 1 is the virus that more typically causes cold sores, although it can also cause genital sores. Type 2 is the virus that more typically causes genital sores. You may ask for a “type-specific” IgG blood test, which differentiates between the two, measuring antibodies to the viruses in your blood. Still, the results may not be totally clear, depending on the sensitivity of the test and the stage of the infection. False-positive and false-negative results are possible.

    HPV STD Testing
    HPV, an infection that can be transmitted even when a person doesn’t have symptoms, is a condition contracted from one of a group of more than 100 related human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Some of the viruses cause cervical cancer, others cause genital warts. Some never cause any problems. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women will acquire an HPV infection within their lives, and that number jumps to 80 percent of women by age 50.

    Being infected with certain types of HPV is the most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Women over age 30 may choose to receive a Pap test (to test for cervical cancer) every three years along with a human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test. The HPV test is collected with a brushing from the cervical canal. Women with both a negative Pap test and a negative HPV DNA test are at low risk of developing significant precancerous changes of the cervix over the next three years. The combination of Pap smear and HPV DNA testing is not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for screening women younger than 30 because HPV infections that will ultimately clear up on their own are more common in this age group, and a positive test result may lead to unnecessary additional testing and treatment.

    The HPV DNA test can test for both low-risk types of HPV, which may cause genital warts, and high-risk types that may cause cervical cancer. Your doctor may recommend testing only for the high-risk types because of their threat to your health. Since no treatments exist for HPV itself — although treatments do exist for genital wart outbreaks caused by HPV — paying for a test to find the low-risk types may be of little use to you.

    No HPV test is available for men with the exception of visual inspection or biopsy of genital warts if they are present.
    Girls and women ages 9 to 26 can help prevent HPV infection by receiving the HPV vaccine. This vaccine protects against the two strains that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers and the two strains that cause 90 percent of genital warts.
    STD testing: What to know before your appointment

    Are all STD tests always done?
    No, as mentioned earlier, men should receive STD testing if they have symptoms, have sex with other men, or if a partner tests positive for an STD. In women, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis testing may be done if other STDs are present. Testing for herpes is only usually done if symptoms are present. And HPV testing isn’t available for men, and only sometimes done for women older than 30.
    Ask to be tested for other STDs if you’re concerned. Some tests may be expensive and your insurance may not cover them.

    What STD tests are commonly covered by insurance?
    Insurance companies differ in what services are covered. Check with your insurer, and if STD testing isn’t covered and you can’t afford to pay, consider testing through HealthCheckUSA. HealthCheckUSA provides affordable STD lab testing that is totally anonymous, confidential and convenient. HealthCheckUSA has over 5,000 locations nationwide for STD Lab Testing Services.

    What do you suggest to someone considering having sex with a new partner or who may be at risk of an STD?
    If you can’t trust a partner not to give you an STD, you may not want to have sex with that person. You can ask them to be tested for gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis, but negative tests for these may mean the infection is just in too early of a stage to detect. Also, there are no good screening tests for herpes, and HPV testing is limited — men can’t be tested unless they have visible warts, and HPV testing generally isn’t recommended for women younger than 30.

    If you decide to have sex, use condoms. Condoms help protect you against life-threatening infections like HIV. However, condoms don’t fully protect you against every STD. For example, condoms may not cover all of the skin that might contain an HPV or herpes virus, so the condoms may reduce, but not eliminate, the chance of such a virus being transmitted to you. In fact, you can be exposed to these viruses through genital to genital or mouth to genital contact, not just through intercourse.

    If you have sex, you put yourself at some risk even with the most thorough STD testing and condom use, and you have to accept that risk.

    If a person tests positive for an STD, what’s the next step?
    If you test positive for an STD, the next step is to consider further testing and then to get treatment as recommended by your doctor. In addition, inform any partners. Your partners need to be evaluated and treated, because you can pass some infections back and forth.

    Expect to feel various emotions. You may feel ashamed, angry or afraid. These are all normal feelings. Some STDs are very common so you aren’t alone. You’ve done the right thing by getting tested and you can now discuss treatment and how this might affect current or future relationships. Talk with your doctor about your concerns.

    HealthCheckUSA offers many STD lab tests that are affordable and do not require a doctor’s prescription. We have over 5,000 lab locations throughout the United States.

    Recommended STD Lab Tests

  • HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test
  • Hepatitis STD Panel (A, B and C)
  • Chlamydia Antibody STD Test
  • Syphilis (RPR) STD Lab Test
  • Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel
  • Basic Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

  • HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood, urine and saliva tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price. HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available by fax to you or your doctor, or by mail to you (please allow 10 working days for mailing). Results are also available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days. An information sheet with an explanation of each test, including normal reference ranges, accompanies all results.

    Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

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    What you don’t know can hurt you. Ventura County’s lesser-known and most popular STDs

    By Kit Stolz, 07/30/2009

    The most feared of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is the potentially deadly AIDS/HIV virus, which in 2005 struck 30 people in Ventura County, according to the Department of Public Health.

    That, ironically, is the good news. The rate of AIDS/HIV infection has stabilized in recent years, and even declined slightly from that of five years ago.

    The bad news is that more than 50 times as common as the HIV/AIDS virus is a sexually transmitted bacteriological disease called chlamydia. Chlamydia is epidemic in the United States, and the rate of infection in Ventura County has doubled in the last 10 years.

    Chlamydia was diagnosed in 1,570 people in Ventura County in 2005, the most recent year for which there are official statistics. Most of those who contracted the disease were young. Nearly one-quarter of those who came down with the sexually transmitted disease (STD) were teenagers, and almost one-half of those who contracted the STD disease were between the ages of 20 and 24.

    It’s the most frequently reported of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), both nationwide and in Ventura County. Although it’s not the most common of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it’s one of the most likely to cause problems if not treated.

    The real hazard of chlamydia is not that so many people have it and know it, but that a far larger number of people have it and don’t know it.

    “It’s one of the most common infections we see,” said Dr. Kirk Cook, who works as a family doctor and serves as a public information official for the county, “but the number of cases we see is just a fraction, because most people who contract this disease do not have symptoms.”

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about three-quarters of infected women and about one-half of infected men do not show signs of chlamydia.

    If symptoms do appear, they show up within one to three weeks after infection.

    In women, medical experts say that the most common symptom is a vaginal discharge, pain during urination, pelvic pain or pain during sex.

    In men, the most likely symptom is a burning experienced during urination. Because men’s sexual organs are simpler, the disease is more likely to be seen, but symptoms can vary. One Ventura County patient, who wished to keep his identity private, found a sore on his penis after a sexual adventure overseas.

    “It didn’t hurt, but it was gross,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it. I never saw anything like it. It looked like a crater on my dick. It just got bigger and bigger. I had to go to the doctor.”

    Easy to cure and easy to contract, again Chlamydia is one of the easiest of all sexually transmitted diseases to treat. A single dose of an antibiotic pill named azithromycin can cure the disease, although doctors typically ask patients to return to take a second dose of the medicine, because one-quarter or more of those who are initially diagnosed with the disease are reinfected within months, usually by the same partner who passed on the disease in the first place.

    “In California, the largest population affected by this disease are in the ages of 15-25,” said Cook. “I think that’s partly because these are people who are not mature adults, and also because chlamydia is not a disease that kills people, the way the HIV/AIDS virus can, so it’s easy to get complacent. But if this disease goes untreated in women, it can lead to pelvic inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes. This is a disease with bad long-term consequences for fertility.”

    If a woman has no symptoms, or overlooks cramping, pain or a bloody discharge, the chlamydia infection can spread, often resulting in PID, or pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage a woman’s reproductive organs. According to the Guttacher Institute, an international nonprofit organization focused on sexual health, about 20 percent of women who contract PID will lose their fertility permanently.

    Why patients often don’t know who gave them the STD Disease
    According to Dr. Adina Nack, a sexual health educator at Cal Lutheran University who published a book last year about women’s experiences with sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV, the human papillomavirus, STDs can remain hidden in the body and without symptoms for so long that a patient often isn’t sure who gave him or her the disease.

    “One of my interviewees had been married once, gotten divorced, and then when she was with her second husband came down with symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection,” Nack said. “We tend to think that if we are exposed to one of these diseases, that we will get the symptoms within a short period of time, but it’s very possible to be exposed to an STD and not see your first symptoms for upwards of 18 months.”

    This was the case of one young Ventura County woman, “Helen,” who had gotten engaged to be married when she suffered her first outbreak of genital herpes. She assumed at the time that her fiance had given her the disease, despite his denials, but now realizes that she probably picked it up when she was an undergraduate in college.

    “It was horribly painful, and I blamed him,” she said. “I had no idea what was happening to me — I didn’t know anybody who had had herpes. It caused a lot of stress in the relationship, and we eventually broke up.”

    Genital herpes is not on the list of sexually transmitted diseases reported to government medical authorities because, according to the Centers for Disease Control, blood tests for genital herpes can be “difficult to interpret.”

    Blood tests can detect the presence of antibodies to herpes, but cannot reliably distinguish between herpes simplex type 1, which is more likely to cause fever blisters around the mouth, and herpes simplex type 2, the virus which usually causes genital herpes.

    The virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease, infecting an estimated 45 million to 60 million Americans, according to the CDC.

    Herpes can be passed on even if no symptoms are present. Although antiviral prescription drugs such as Valtrex can make the disease less painful and contagious, it’s still a disease profoundly damaging to what Nack, in her book Damaged

    Goods, calls a woman’s “sexual self.”

    An older woman in the San Fernando Valley, “Jamie,” wrote in an e-mail interview how she was devastated by a diagnosis of herpes simplex type 2 from a lover who died before she found out that he gave her the sexually transmitted disease.

    “I was so wounded that I shut down socially. I had no social life for many years and did not even think about dating. I could not begin to imagine the misery and humiliation of having to have that infamous ‘talk’ that we, who know we have herpes, are supposed to have with a potential mate or lover. It is ironic because those who are spreading it are those who do not know they have it, which is most people with herpes,” she said.

    Recovering from a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
    According to Nack, the emotional devastation “Jamie” experienced when she caught a sexually transmitted disease is often what happens to women who contract STDs. Nack thinks this reflects the way we as a people have decided to look at sexual health.

    “In this country, we consistently want to hold women responsible for sexual health, but not their male partners,” she said. “You can see this attitude play out with the Gardasil vaccine, which can protect against HPV (human papilloma virus, aka genital warts) in both men and women, but which has been marketed only to young women, and not as an HPV vaccine, but as a cancer vaccine. I don’t think we’re doing men any favors by letting them off the hook when it comes to taking care of their sexual health. They won’t get cervical cancer, but I have seen some seriously bad cases of genital warts on men.”

    Nack points out that more than 6 million new cases of HPV are diagnosed each year, making it the second most common sexually transmitted disease after herpes. Complicating matters is the fact that the test for cervical cancer, the Pap smear, can detect the presence of abnormal HPV-altered cells around the cervix, but cannot detect the genital wart virus on external sex organs. A doctor who isn’t careful can give a patient the impression she doesn’t have HPV when she does, or can lead a patient to fear cervical cancer, when in fact she may only have contracted the virus that can sometimes develop years later into cervical cancer.

    All too often, according to Nack’s research, doctors stumble over the complexities and uncertainties of diagnosis of sexually transmitted disease, especially in women. Two-thirds of the more than 40 women she interviewed at length complained that their doctors misdiagnosed their STDs, failed to explain them clearly, or even hurt them unnecessarily in treatment, adding to the pain and confusion.

    Patients often go into “diagnostic shock” when they learn they have a sexually transmitted disease, Dr. Cook confirms.

    “If a patient has symptoms, sometimes the diagnosis comes as a relief, especially with chlamydia, which is easy to treat,” he said. “But sometimes a patient will say, ‘I don’t even know what you’re talking about,’ or, ‘I never heard of it.’ Part of a doctor’s job is education, and with STDs, that means encouraging patients to contact sexual partners and encourage them to come in for treatment.”

    Christine Lyon, of Planned Parenthood in Santa Barbara, points out that young patients are often reluctant to go to their family doctors for tests or treatments, knowing that this will likely spark questions from parents. She encourages young people who suspect they have an STD, or who want to know how to protect themselves, to visit Planned Parenthood or a county health clinic if a visit to a family doctor sounds intimidating.

    “One in four young women in this country have an STD,” she said. “A lot of those cases are chlamydia. The known rate of chlamydia is higher in women than in men, but that’s probably because they are more likely to receive routine screening. Our goal is to treat anyone who comes through the door and wants reproductive health services.”

    The good news about STDs
    Contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) often turns out to be a strengthening experience in the long run, according to Dr. Nack. Many of the women she interviewed look back on themselves before they were infected as naive and passive, too compliant to the wishes of men.

    “Once you decide you might want to be intimate with someone, you have to have ‘The Talk.’ You have to get your partner to be as honest as possible about their sexual health,” Nack said. “Because there’s a heavy moral stigma against being sexually active, it’s difficult for young girls to take an assertive role, but it’s really necessary. Condoms are great for preventing fluid-borne STDs, such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, but skin-to-skin contact still takes place in sex, and that can pass other STDs, such as HPV and herpes.”

    “Jamie” completely agrees that women must protect themselves, and objects fiercely to victims of sexually transmitted diseases being blamed for their misfortune.

    “The herpes social stigma really makes me mad because it is the only serious harm it does to most people who contract, it,” she wrote. “It is not fair to make us lepers. I hate the stereotype ‘herpes whore.’ I got it while being faithful to a man I loved, a guy who should have gotten a special Oscar for Performance in a Personal Life. If you have sex with anyone — and at some point nearly everyone does — you risk contracting the herpes simplex virus. We are not bad people. We are unlucky.”

    “Jamie” has taken to wearing confrontational T-shirts in public places, with slogans such as “VALTREX” or “HERPES DISCLOSURE.” She watches the expressions on the faces of people she passes, curious to see if they’re shocked, horrified or understanding, and gives out information on herpes if they’re curious.

    She writes that she has mostly taken this one-woman personal sexual education campaign to places such as Venice Beach, but this summer plans to go to more conservative places.

    If you see her, she hopes you will say “hi” and be accepting. She says she is only trying to protect you from the pain and heartbreak of coming down with an STD.

    HealthCheckUSA offers many STD lab tests that are affordable and do not require a doctor’s prescription. We have over 5,000 lab locations throughout the United States.

    Recommended STD Lab Tests

  • HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test
  • Hepatitis STD Panel (A, B and C)
  • Chlamydia Antibody STD Test
  • Syphilis (RPR) STD Lab Test
  • Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel
  • Basic Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

  • HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood, urine and saliva tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price. HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available by fax to you or your doctor, or by mail to you (please allow 10 working days for mailing). Results are also available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days. An information sheet with an explanation of each test, including normal reference ranges, accompanies all results.

    Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

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    Re-printed by from MayoClinic.com; main article written by the Mayo Clinic staff

    Definition of a Cholesterol Blood Test
    A complete cholesterol blood test — also called a lipid panel or lipid profile — is a group of blood tests that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A cholesterol blood test can help determine your risk of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body. If your cholesterol levels are high, you probably won’t have any signs or symptoms, so a cholesterol blood test is an important tool. High cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease.

    Why a Cholesterol Blood Test is Done
    Cholesterol and triglycerides are substances that naturally circulate in your blood. Although these substances are necessary for your body to function normally, too much fat in your blood increases your risk of heart disease, a stroke, or narrowed arteries in your arms or legs (peripheral artery disease).

    What’s Measured in a Cholesterol Blood Test?
    A complete cholesterol blood test, referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, includes the measurement of four types of fats (lipids) in your blood:

    • Total cholesterol. This is a sum of your blood’s cholesterol content.
    • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, thus keeping arteries open and your blood flowing more freely.
    • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. These plaques sometimes rupture and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
    • Triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. High triglyceride levels usually mean you regularly eat more calories than you burn. High levels are also seen in overweight people, in those consuming too many sweets or too much alcohol, and in people with diabetes who have elevated blood sugar levels.

    Who should get a cholesterol test?
    All adults age 20 or older should have a cholesterol test once every five years. Ideally, you should begin having your cholesterol checked in your early twenties. You should have your cholesterol measured when you’re relatively healthy. An acute illness, a heart attack or severe stress can affect cholesterol levels.

    Cholesterol blood testing is very important if you:

    • Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
    • Are overweight
    • Are physically inactive
    • Have diabetes
    • Eat a high-fat diet

    These factors put you at increased risk of developing high cholesterol and heart disease.

    If you have high cholesterol levels, your doctor may want you to get your blood tested more often. Discuss with your doctor how often you should have a cholesterol blood test if your cholesterol levels are abnormal.

    Cholesterol is often high during pregnancy, so pregnant women should wait at least six weeks after giving birth to have their cholesterol measured.

    Children and Cholesterol Blood Testing
    Children as young as age 2 can have high cholesterol, but not all children need to be screened for high cholesterol. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a cholesterol blood test only for children between the ages of 2 and 10 who have a known family history of high cholesterol or premature coronary artery disease. Your child’s doctor may recommend retesting if your child’s first test shows he or she has normal cholesterol levels.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends testing if the child’s family history for high cholesterol is unknown, but the child has risk factors for high cholesterol, such as obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.

    Risks of getting a Cholesterol Blood Test
    There’s little risk in getting a cholesterol blood test. You may have some soreness or tenderness around the site where your blood is drawn, or the site may become infected.

    How you prepare for your Cholesterol Blood Test
    You should fast (no food or liquids other than water) for nine to 12 hours before the test. You can drink water in the time leading up to the blood test, but avoid coffee, tea and other beverages.

    Talk to your doctor about any other special requirements. Some medications, such as birth control pills, can increase your cholesterol levels. For this reason, if you take these or other medications, your doctor might want you to stop taking them for a few days before your cholesterol blood test.

    What you can expect from your Cholesterol Blood Test
    During the procedure
    A cholesterol test is a blood test, usually done in the morning since you’ll need to fast for the most accurate results. Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from your arm. Before the needle is inserted, the puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic and an elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. This causes the veins in your arm to fill with blood.

    After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected into a vial or syringe. The band is then removed to restore circulation, and blood continues to flow into the vial. Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed and the puncture site is covered with a pressure wrap.

    The entire procedure will likely last a couple of minutes. It’s relatively painless.

    After the procedure
    There are no special precautions you need to take after your cholesterol blood test. You should be able to drive yourself home and do all your normal activities. You may want to bring a snack to eat after your cholesterol test is done, if you’ve been fasting.

    It may take a few days for you to get your results back. Your doctor should explain to you what the results of your test mean. It’s likely your doctor will want to retest you in several weeks or months if your test shows your cholesterol levels are high. Before starting any treatment based only on an abnormal cholesterol test, it’s common to get several tests done over a period of time to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

    Cholesterol Blood Test Results
    In the United States, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. In Canada and many European countries, cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

    The four main categories — total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides — are what are most commonly measured during a cholesterol blood test. Still, many doctors have begun examining other substances in the blood. Tests of these other substances in the blood are often done on the same sample of blood taken during a cholesterol test and meant to complement, not replace, a standard lipid blood panel or lipid blood profile cholesterol blood test.

    If your results show that your cholesterol level is high, don’t get discouraged. You may be able to lower your cholesterol with lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising and eating a healthy diet. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, cholesterol-lowering medications also may help. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to lower your cholesterol.

    Women and cholesterol test results
    The hormone estrogen tends to cause women to have higher levels of HDL, “good,” cholesterol but also higher levels of triglycerides. If you have higher levels of triglycerides than normal, talk to your doctor. Many women who are at risk of heart disease and have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels may benefit from cholesterol-lowering medications.


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    Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Total of 40 Blood Tests through HealthCheckUSA. Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

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    Super Chemistry plus Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Testing Panel
    Prostate Cancer Blood Test (PSA) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    Super Chemistry plus Thyroid Panel Blood Testing Panel
    Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    Men’s Blood Testing Panel
    PSA, Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Testosterone Total plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com..

    Women’s Blood Testing Panel
    Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH), Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price.

    HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available by fax to you or your doctor, or by mail to you (please allow 10 working days for mailing). Results are also available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days. An information sheet with an explanation of each test, including normal reference ranges, accompanies all results.

    Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

    HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Male Menopause and Low T

    Category : HealthCheckUSA News


    Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy From HealthCheckUSA

    thyroid test panelSave Money with HealthCheckUSA

    Sometimes called male menopause, aging-related hormone changes in men are very different from those in women. Understand signs, symptoms and treatment options.

    Article re-printed from the MayoClinic.com by the Mayo Clinic staff

    Hormone changes are a natural part of aging. Unlike the more dramatic hormone plunge that occurs in women during menopause, however, hormone changes in men occur gradually — over a period of many years. Here’s what to expect, and what you can do about it.

    Debunking the male menopause myth

    The term “male menopause” is sometimes used to describe decreasing testosterone levels related to aging. Female menopause and so-called male menopause are two different situations, however. In women, ovulation ends and hormone production plummets during a relatively short period of time. In men, hormone production declines more gradually. The effects — such as changes in sexual function, energy level or mood — tend to be subtle and may go unnoticed for years.

    So what’s the best way to refer to so-called male menopause? Many doctors use the term “andropause” to describe aging-related hormone changes in men. Other terms for so-called male menopause include testosterone deficiency, androgen deficiency of the aging male and late-onset hypogonadism.

    Understanding male hormones over time

    Testosterone levels vary greatly among men. In general, however, older men tend to have lower testosterone levels than do younger men. Testosterone levels gradually decline throughout adulthood — about 1 percent a year after age 30 on average. By about age 70, the decrease in a man’s testosterone level can be as much as 50 percent.

    Still, it’s important to have a thorough medical evaluation before attributing low testosterone to normal aging. Left untreated, various medical conditions — such as obstructive sleep apnea — may decrease testosterone levels.

    Recognizing low testosterone levels
    Some men have a lower than normal testosterone level without signs or symptoms. For others, low testosterone may cause:

    • Changes in sexual function. This may include reduced sexual desire, fewer spontaneous erections — such as during sleep — and infertility. Your testes may become smaller as well.
    • Changes in sleep patterns. Sometimes low testosterone causes insomnia or other sleep disturbances.
    • Physical changes. Various physical changes are possible, including increased body fat, reduced muscle bulk and strength, and decreased bone density. Swollen or tender breasts (gynecomastia) and hair loss are possible. You may experience hot flashes and have less energy than you used to.

    • Emotional changes. Low testosterone may contribute to a decrease in motivation or self-confidence. You may feel sad or depressed, or have trouble concentrating or remembering things.
    • It’s important to note that some of these signs and symptoms are a normal part of aging. Others can be caused by various underlying factors, including medication side effects, thyroid problems, depression and excessive alcohol use. A blood test is the only way to diagnose a low testosterone level.

    Feeling your best
    If you suspect that you have a low testosterone level, consult your doctor. He or she can evaluate possible causes for your signs and symptoms and explain treatment options. You can’t boost your natural testosterone production, but these steps may help:

    Be honest with your doctor. Work with your doctor to identify and treat any health issues that may be causing or contributing to your signs and symptoms — from medication side effects to erectile dysfunction and other sexual issues.

    Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy diet and include physical activity in your daily routine. Healthy lifestyle choices will help you maintain your strength, energy and lean muscle mass. Regular physical activity can even improve your mood and concentration and promote better sleep.

    Seek help if you feel down. Depression in men doesn’t always mean having the blues. You may have depression if you feel irritable, isolated and withdrawn. Other signs of depression common in men include working excessively, drinking too much alcohol, using street drugs or seeking thrills from risky activities.

    Be wary of herbal supplements. Herbal supplements haven’t been proved safe and effective for aging-related low testosterone. Some supplements may even be dangerous. Long-term use of DHEA, for example, may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

    Treating aging-related low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy is controversial. For some men, testosterone therapy relieves bothersome signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency. For others, however — particularly older men — the benefits aren’t clear. The risks are a concern as well. Testosterone replacement therapy may increase the risk of prostate cancer or other health problems. If you wonder whether testosterone injections or other testosterone treatments might be right for you, work with your doctor to weigh the pros and cons.


    Get your testosterone levels tested at HealthCheckUSA

    Testosterone Free and Total Hormones Blood Test
    Testosterone is a sex hormone produced mainly in men, but also in women. It causes the development of male sex characteristics (deepness of voice, hair growth patterns), strengthens muscle tone and bone mass, and effects sexual drive. In Women testosterone is used to explain the appearance of male characteristics, inability to get pregnant and as a marker for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The testosterone hormone blood test can be used to diagnose decreased sex drive in men and women, and infertility in men and women.

    A decline in testosterone, with age and lifestyle, can have many men experiencing an increase in the levels of estrogen. The result is a testosterone/estrogen imbalance that directly causes many of the debilitating health problems associated with normal aging. The vast majority of men are surprised to learn that estrogen (a ‘female’ hormone) is also present in their bodies. It is produced in very small amounts as a by-product of the testosterone conversion process. In fact, balanced levels of estrogen in men are essential to encourage a healthy libido, improved brain function, protect the heart and strengthen the bones . . . high levels of estrogen can cause reduced levels of testosterone, fatigue, loss of muscle tone, increased body fat, increased risk of diabetes, heart attack or stroke, some cancers, loss of libido and sexual function and an enlarged prostate.

    Most Popular: Men’s Basic Hormone Profile
    The HealthCheckUSA Men’s Basic Hormone Profile is a group of blood tests that includes Estrone, DHEA-S, Testosterone Free and Total, Prostate Cancer Test (PSA) and Thyroid Panel (Free T3, Free T4 and TSH) that are often ordered together to help evaluate infertility, erectile dysfunction, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances and to determine stages of male menopause.

    This group of blood tests would typically cost $595 from your local doctor or hospital lab. At $229.99, that’s a savings of $400

    Blood Tests Included Men’s Basic Hormone Profile:
    Thyroid Blood Testing Panel II
    The HealthCheckUSA Thyroid Panel II is a group of blood tests that includes Free T3, Free T4 and TSH that are often ordered together to help evaluate thyroid gland function and to help diagnose thyroid disorders. These hormones are chemical substances that travel through the bloodstream and control or regulate your body’s metabolism—how it functions and uses energy.

    TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and is part of the body’s feedback system to maintain stable amounts of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 in the blood. When concentrations decrease in the blood, the pituitary is stimulated to release TSH. The TSH in turn stimulates the production and release of T4 and T3 by the thyroid gland. When the system is functioning normally, thyroid production turns on and off to maintain constant blood thyroid hormone levels.

    Free T4 measures the free, unbound thyroxine levels in your bloodstream. Free T4 is typically elevated in hyperthyroidism, and lowered in hypothyroidism.
    Free T4 levels represent the level of hormone available for uptake and use by cells. T4 is the storage form of thyroid hormone, called levothyroxine or l-thyroxine, and it’s “main” purpose is to convert to the active hormone T3. Because the free levels of T4 represent immediately available hormone, free T4 is thought to better reflect the patient’s hormonal status than total T4.

    Free T3 measures the free, unbound levels of triiodothyronine in your bloodstream. T3 is the active thyroid hormone, also called triiodothyronine, and can be the most important lab you will do. Free T3 is considered more accurate than Total T3. Free T3 is typically elevated in hyperthyroidism, and lowered in hypothyroidism.

    Testosterone Free and Total Hormones
    Testosterone is a sex hormone produced mainly in men, but also in women. It causes the development of male sex characteristics (deepness of voice, hair growth patterns), strengthens muscle tone and bone mass, and effects sexual drive. In Women testosterone is used to explain the appearance of male characteristics, inability to get pregnant and as a marker for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The testosterone test can be used to diagnose decreased sex drive in men and women, and infertility in men and women.

    Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Cancer Blood Test
    The prostate cancer blood test (PSA) offered by HealthCheckUSA measures a protein (prostate specific antigen) produced exclusively by the prostate, which is a walnut-sized gland found in men only. It is recommended that you take a prostate cancer blood test (PSA) annually, beginning at age 50, if you do not have any serious medical problems and can be expected to live at least 10 more years, according to the American Cancer Society. Men at high risk for prostate cancer should begin prostate cancer blood testing (PSA) at age 45, or even age 40, depending on your personal and family medical history.

    Prostate cancer often grows slowly, which is why early detection greatly aids in cures and treatments. The prostate cancer blood test (PSA) is also helpful after prostate cancer has been diagnosed because it can be used along with other tests to help you and your doctor decide which types of treatment might be best suited to your condition. For example, a very high prostate cancer blood test (PSA) level might indicate that the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. The prostate cancer blood test (PSA) can also show if your cancer treatment is working or if malignant cells still exist following treatment.

    Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men in the United States (skin cancer is first). The American Cancer Society estimates about 30,350 men will die from prostate cancer in 2005, and 232,090 new cases will be diagnosed. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, behind only lung cancer, the American Cancer Society says.

    Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)
    Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is an androgen, a hormone that is present in the blood of both men and women. It has a role to play in developing male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty, and it can be metabolized by the body and can be changed into the female hormone estrogen. Since DHEA-S is primarily produced by the adrenal glands, it is useful as a marker for adrenal function. DHEA-S is produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts being produced by the woman’s ovaries and man’s testes. DHEA-S secretion is controlled by the pituitary hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and by other pituitary factors.

    Estrone Hormone
    Estrone is one of the three estrogens, which also include estriol and estradiol. Estrone is produced primarily from androstenedione originating from the gonads or the adrenal cortex. Estrone is relevant to health and disease states because of its conversion to estrone sulfate, a long-lived derivative. Estrone sulfate acts as a reservoir that can be converted as needed to the more active estradiol.

    A decline in testosterone, with age and lifestyle, can have many men experiencing an increase in the levels of estrogen. The result is a testosterone/estrogen imbalance that directly causes many of the debilitating health problems associated with normal aging. The vast majority of men are surprised to learn that estrogen (a ‘female’ hormone) is also present in their bodies. It is produced in very small amounts as a by-product of the testosterone conversion process. In fact, balanced levels of estrogen in men are essential to encourage a healthy libido, improved brain function, protect the heart and strengthen the bones . . . high levels of estrogen can cause reduced levels of testosterone, fatigue, loss of muscle tone, increased body fat, increased risk of diabetes, heart attack or stroke, some cancers, loss of libido and sexual function and an enlarged prostate.

    Additional Blood Testing Panels from HealthCheckUSA


    HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, direct-to-consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood tests without a physician’s referral and at half the price.

    HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available by fax to you or your doctor, or by mail to you (please allow 10 working days for mailing). Results are also available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days. An information sheet with an explanation of each test, including normal reference ranges, accompanies all results.

    Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

    Blood Tests from HealthCheckUSA: Knowledge is Power

    Category : blood tests


    Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy From HealthCheckUSA

    thyroid test panelSave Money with HealthCheckUSA

    A simple blood test from HealthCheckUSA and is one of the most important tools consumers have for preventing diseases and improving their health and wellness. Before HealthCheckUSA, the only way consumer could buy blood tests were from their doctor’s office. No more! For over 20 years, HealthCheckUSA has been revolutionizing the way consumers buy blood tests and lab tests and get their blood tested. Consumers have the choice to purchase most blood tests that they can get from their doctor, but paying 50% – 80% less versus buying the same blood tests through their doctor.

    Reasons Consumers are Buying Blood Tests from HealthCheckUSA
    - HealthCheckUSA makes is possible for consumers with no insurance to afford blood tests. Consumers without insurance would pay much more through their doctor versus buying the blood tests from HealthCheckUSA – up to 80% savings on most tests.
    - Consumers also have the choice of ordering most blood tests, from HealthCheckUSA, that they need versus trying to convince doctors to order the blood tests. Consumers are taking control of their health and ordering low cost blood tests from HealthCheckUSA.com.
    - Consumers are ordering blood tests from HealthCheckUSA that concerned with preventing diseases like Heart Disease, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, prostate cancer and other types of cancer, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, sexually transmitted diseases like HIV Aids, Herpes, Hepatitis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, hormonal imbalances like low testosterone (low “t”), infertility in men, erectile dysfunction, infertility in women, menopause in women, iron deficiency, Hemochromatosis, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin b-12 deficiency, and many more.

    The advantages of having you blood tested with HealthCheckUSA

    When deciding to buy your blood and lab tests at HealthCheckUSA, you can rest assured that you are getting the best quality and most convenient choice available. HealthCheckUSA has been serving the consumer directed blood testing community for over 20 years and have tested over 1 million people and our very experienced in the laboratory testing and our services have been written up in a variety of national publications, including TIME, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

    Popular Blood Tests From HealthCheckUSA

    Super Chemistry Blood Testing Panel
    Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Total of 40 Blood Tests through HealthCheckUSA. Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    Super Chemistry plus Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Testing Panel
    Prostate Cancer Blood Test (PSA) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    Super Chemistry plus Thyroid Panel Blood Testing Panel
    Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    Men’s Blood Testing Panel
    PSA, Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Testosterone Total plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com..

    Women’s Blood Testing Panel
    Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH), Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    How to order a blood test from HealthCheckUSA

    Ordering a blood test through HealthCheckUSA is easy. You do not need to create an account first, since that is done automatically when you place your first order online. Now, let’s get started on how to order a blood test.

    Placing Your Order for Blood Tests

    1) Click here to Order a Blood Test

    2) To find a blood or lab test, enter keywords in the search box, or browse our selections in the following blood and lab test categories: blood tests for Blood Type (CBC), blood tests for Cancer Screenings, blood tests for Cardiovascular Disease, blood tests for Cardiovascular Health, Combination Lab Test Panels, blood tests for Diabetes, DNA Lab Testing, lab tests for Hemochromatosis, Individual Lab Tests, blood tests for Men’s Health, Most Popular Lab Tests, blood tests for Nutritional Analysis, blood tests that include Premium Health Risk Assessment Reports, blood tests fro RealThyroidHelp.com, lab tests for Sexual Health (Sexually Transmitted Diseases STD’s), lab tests for Stop The Thyroid Madness, Substance Abuse Testing (drug testing), blood tests for the Roby Institute, lab tests for Thyroid Screenings, lab tests for Women’s Health, Other services that includes Physician Interpretation, and a category to view all blood and lab tests.

    3) If you want to order a blood or lab test, click the “Add to Order” button on the detail page. The title of the blood or lab test will appear in your Order Summary.
    To continue ordering more blood and lab tests, click Order More Blood Tests and follow the same instructions.

    Proceed to Checkout to buy Blood Tests

    1) When you’re ready to place an order, click the “Checkout” button.
    2) When the disclaimer appears, please read it carefully and click “I agree” to continue.
    3) In Checkout, you will then see the total amount of your order, including shipping and handling charges.
    4) To create an account, enter your e-mail address, name, date of birth, gender, and address where we will mail your order form. You will also be asked to provide a password. Once your registration is completed, you can use the same shipping address and method of payment to order additional tests in the future.
    5) Click the button to have our staff at HealthCheckUSA choose a convenient location, or cut and paste a lab testing location from one of our affiliated centers into the box provided.
    6) Enter your credit card information. (This is a secure transaction.) Click the “Continue & Review Order” to proceed.

    Submitting Your Order for Blood Tests

    1) Review your order for blood and lab tests a final time. When you are ready to submit your order, click “Finalize Order.”
    2) Your order receipt will appear. You will also receive a copy of the receipt via e-mail.
    3) A customized form will be e-mailed to you upon receipt of your order.
    4) Take the form to the selected lab testing location. Present your paperwork, and have your blood drawn in accordance with the lab test or lab tests you ordered. No appointment is necessary.
    5) Your results will be available online from HealthCheckUSA within 3 – 7 days depending on which lab test or lab tests where ordered.


    HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood tests without a physician’s referral and at more than half the price of what a the same blood tests cost in a lab without insurance.

    HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days.

    Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

    HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Simple Blood Test (Good, bad cholesterol)

    Category : cardiovascular health


    By ROBERT LOPEZ, M.D.

    Cholesterol is a natural occurring substance in the body important for many functions from making some hormones to building cell walls, to name a few. The liver produces most of the cholesterol in your body, but you also get cholesterol from foods such as meat, eggs and whole-fat dairy products.

    Cholesterol levels are determined by more than the foods you eat. Increasing age and being overweight lead to increased levels. Medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk. Family history also is an important contributor.

    Too much cholesterol can lead to serious health problems. Your doctor may have told you you have high cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia. This is determined via a Simple Blood Test ideally following a 12-hour fast, which measures the total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LOL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. It is important to understand what these terms mean because not all cholesterol is bad for you.

    LDL cholesterol is often referred to as the “bad cholesterol.” As levels increase in our blood, cholesterol deposits on the walls of blood vessels, hardening them. Over time, the blood flow through these arteries is reduced, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Eventually, they can become completely blocked, causing a lack of blood supply. In the arteries of the heart, it can lead to a heart attack, and in the blood vessels supplying our brain, increases the risk of having a stroke.

    HDL cholesterol, known as the “good cholesterol,” makes up about one-fourth to one-third of the total cholesterol in your body. It carries the cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is processed and removed from the body. High levels seem to have a protective effect on the heart, lowering the risk of heart attacks.

    Triglycerides are the form of fat made in the body. They are derived not only from the animal and vegetable fats in foods you eat but also from carbohydrates. Your body converts calories not burned to triglycerides for storage in fat cells. Therefore a diet low in fat but high in carbohydrates can still lead to elevated triglycerides. Elevated triglycerides are linked to obesity and combined with high LDL levels increases the risk of heart disease.

    Today there are medications your doctor may prescribe to help treat high cholesterol. Whether or not you are on a medication, there are things you can do to help lower or even prevent high cholesterol. Eat a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to strengthen your heart. Quitting smoking can decrease your risk of heart disease.

    Talk to your doctor to find out your cholesterol levels and what you can do to lead a healthier life.


    About HealthcheckUSA, your Low Cost Blood Testing Solution


    HealthCheckUSA is the nation’s leader in low cost, consumer blood and lab testing and provides people the ability to access all types of blood tests without a physician’s referral and at more than half the price of what a the same blood tests cost in a lab without insurance.

    HealthCheckUSA has packages that make it simple for consumers to measure, monitor, and improve their health by being able to order their own lab tests without a doctor’s order. HealthCheckUSA serves customers without insurance, have high deductible insurance plans, and taking control of their health because their doctor won’t order the test.

    The blood tests available through HealthCheckUSA are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The blood tests are analyzed by an accredited medical reference laboratory. The results are confidential, and are available on the HealthCheckUSA Web site within 3-4 business days.

    Popular Blood Tests From HealthCheckUSA

    Super Chemistry Blood Testing Panel
    Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Total of 40 Blood Tests through HealthCheckUSA. Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    Super Chemistry plus Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Testing Panel
    Prostate Cancer Blood Test (PSA) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    Super Chemistry plus Thyroid Panel Blood Testing Panel
    Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    Men’s Blood Testing Panel
    PSA, Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Testosterone Total plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com..

    Women’s Blood Testing Panel
    Thyroid Panel (T3 Uptake, T4 Total and TSH), Diabetes Management Test (HbA1c), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) plus Super Chemistry which includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (Good), LDL (bad), rations, triglycerides, Glucose, Kidney, Liver & Heart functions, Electrolytes, Protein, Iron (anemia), Complete Blood Count (CBC). Low Cost Blood Testing Made Easy by HealthCheckUSA.com.

    Popular types of blood and lab tests include: thyroid testing, complete metabolic testing (CMP), complete blood count testing, heart disease testing, cholesterol testing, diabetes testing (HbA1c), prostate cancer testing (PSA), vitamin D testing, vitamin B-12 testing, testing for osteoporosis, iron deficiency testing, testosterone testing to check for Low Testosterone (Low T), erectile dysfunction, estrogen testing for low levels of estrogen, male hormone testing and female hormone testing for hormone imbalances, drug testing, STD testing for herpes, hepatitis A, B and C testing, HIV, Chlamydia, syphilis, and EBV, herpes type 1 and type 2 testing, fertility testing in men, fertility testing in women, infertility testing in men, infertility testing in women, pregnancy testing, blood test for pregnancy, blood test for herpes, blood test for HIV, blood test for thyroid, and many more. Please go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.