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HealthCheckUSA Health News Alert: Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care from the Mayo Clinic

Category : HealthCheckUSA News


Low Cost Lab Tests From HealthCheckUSA

thyroid test panelSwine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

The following information is from the Mayo Clinic.

Swine flu (H1N1) symptoms: Self-care for the flu

Question: What are the usual swine flu symptoms? What should I do if I start to have them?

Answer: from James M. Steckelberg, M.D. at the Mayo Clinic

Swine flu symptoms are pretty much the same as seasonal flu symptoms, experience so far has shown. The illness starts one or two days after your exposure to the virus, and symptoms may seem to hit you suddenly. Among healthy people, seasonal flu and swine flu symptoms vary in severity.

Swine flu (H1N1) symptoms include:
- Fever, which is almost always present and which may rise above 103 F (39.4 C) in the first 12 hours of illness
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
- Eye redness and burning
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- With swine flu, some people also report nausea and vomiting.

Swine flu symptoms can make you feel awful, but if you’re basically healthy and you’re not pregnant, take care of yourself at home rather than going to your doctor.

Try these remedies:

- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) to reduce fever and muscle aches. Don’t give products containing aspirin to children or young adults, as these drugs may cause Reye’s syndrome.

- Drink clear fluids, such as water, broth or sports drinks.

- Rest as long as you continue to feel tired, and sleep as much as you can.


Swine flu (H1N1) and pregnancy: Are special precautions necessary?

Question: I’m pregnant and am concerned about swine flu. What should I do if I think I may have swine flu?

Answer: from Roger W. Harms, M.D. at the Mayo Clinic

The combination of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and pregnancy is potentially risky. If you’re pregnant and think you may have H1N1 flu or you’ve had close contact with someone who has known or suspected H1N1 flu, contact your doctor immediately. He or she may recommend treatment with an antiviral medication known to be effective against the virus — oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which can be taken in pill or liquid form, or, less often, zanamivir (Relenza), which must be inhaled. Ideally, the medication should be started within 48 hours of developing symptoms.

Although the specific effects of H1N1 flu and pregnancy are unknown, anyone at high risk of complications from seasonal flu is thought to be at high risk of complications from H1N1 flu — including pregnant women.

Pregnancy puts extra stress on your heart and lungs. Pregnancy can also affect your immune system. These factors increase the risk not only of getting the flu but of developing serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory distress. In turn, flu complications may lead to miscarriage, premature labor or other pregnancy problems.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat and body aches. Although researchers haven’t studied the safety of oseltamivir and zanamivir during pregnancy, for most women the benefits of preventing serious illness or complications from H1N1 flu outweigh any potential risks of the medication. It’s also important to rest as much as you can and drink plenty of fluids.


HealthCheckUSA, a service of Life Time Fitness, is the nation’s leader in low cost, consumer blood, lab and saliva testing providing people the ability to access all types of discounted lab tests without a physician’s referral and at 50% – 80% savings.

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: How serious is the global threat from Swine Flu?

Category : HealthCheckUSA News


Low Cost Lab Tests From HealthCheckUSA

thyroid test panelSwine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

The following information is from the Mayo Clinic.

Swine flu (H1N1): How serious is the global threat?

Question: What’s the real story about swine flu? I’ve heard it called a pandemic, but I’m not sure what that means.

Answer: from James M. Steckelberg, M.D. at the Mayo Clinic

You’re not alone in your confusion about swine flu — specifically, the flu caused by novel swine influenza H1N1 virus, which was identified and designated a global pandemic in spring 2009. Because this is a new flu virus, everyone is vulnerable to infection.

Swine flu is one of the many type A influenza viruses. It’s unusual for humans to catch swine flu, but occasional cases occur, usually in people who have contact with infected pigs. Like other flu viruses, the swine flu virus changes its DNA as it spreads, giving rise to a number of subtypes.

A new vaccine has been developed to protect against H1N1 swine flu. To reduce your risk of catching and spreading the virus:

- Keep tabs on respiratory symptoms. If you or someone in your family develops symptoms suggesting a cold or the flu, avoid crowds, and be alert for persistent or worsening symptoms, particularly a high fever.

- Stay home if you’re sick. If you have swine flu or seasonal flu, don’t go to work, school or public gatherings until you’ve had no fever and taken no fever-reducing medication for 24 hours. Unless your infection is unusually severe, fever and other symptoms should end in three to five days.

- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Flu viruses can survive for two hours or longer on surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops.

- Be prepared. Ask your health care provider or county health department about immunization and infection-control plans.

Question: Why is swine flu a pandemic? Has H1N1 flu turned out to be much worse than expected?

Answer: from James M. Steckelberg, M.D. at the Mayo Clinic

It’s not actually worse, just — as predicted — widespread. That’s why the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a level 6 influenza pandemic alert — the highest level alert of its kind.

A World Health Organization phase 6 pandemic indicates that influenza due to the novel H1N1 swine flu is occurring in multiple countries around the world and that human infection is widespread. The classification does not reflect the severity of individual infections.

The alert level is also notable because:

- The swine flu H1N1 virus is globally widespread at the community level.

- The chain of person-to-person transmission is no longer clear in some areas, so testing all suspected cases is not feasible.

- The groups most severely affected differ from those who typically develop seasonal flu complications.

- Rates of severe illness and death from novel H1N1 influenza may be unusually high in the developing world.

- The WHO continues to recommend against travel restrictions, quarantines and border closings.


HealthCheckUSA, a service of Life Time Fitness, is the nation’s leader in low cost, consumer blood, lab and saliva testing providing people the ability to access all types of discounted lab tests without a physician’s referral and at 50% – 80% savings.

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 Medical Information: Cholesterol Blood Test

Category : blood tests, heart disease test


Low Cost Cholesterol Blood Tests From HealthCheckUSA

thyroid test panelSave Money with HealthCheckUSA on Blood Tests

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.


Get your Cholesterol levels tested at HealthCheckUSA

The Super Chemistry Blood Testing Panel from HealthCheckUSA is a baseline health assessment that focuses on prevention and identifying any health risk factors related to Cholesterol, Heart Disease, risk of heart attack, risk of stroke, liver function, kidney function, plus many more. Due to the popularity of the Blood Testing Panel, HealthCheckUSA is able to provide it at a significant discount versus purchasing these lab tests from your doctor.

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.

More Comprehensive Blood Testing Options

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.

Low Cost, Affordable Blood Testing Made Easy at HealthCheckUSA

Category : blood tests


DeGee Johnson wants to save time and not have to go to her doctor for 2 office visits and go the lab besides. Marlene Ortloff is trying to save money because she lost her job and no longer has health insurance and has to pay for blood tests out of her pocket. Polly Dehnert was tired of trying to get her doctor to order a comprehensive hormone panel. Janie Bowthorpe, from Stop the Thyroid Madness, was tired of trying to get her doctor to test her thyroid to rule out any thyroid disorders. A cancer patient in Texas is worried about his privacy. Five people, five different reasons, but they all made the same decision: to order their blood tests directly from HealthCheckUSA and avoid going through their doctor.

Ordering a blood test is not hard to do. With the advent of the internet and over 5,000 lab locations across the country, HealthCheckUSA is empowering thousands of consumers each month to take action and get their blood tested. “This gives me more power,” says Levine, 43, a rancher from Coni-fer, Colo., who used HealthcheckUSA to get a complete blood count and a sophisticated thyroid test. “I wasn’t getting the answers or tests I needed from my doctor. Plus it’s economics. The thyroid panel ordered by my endocrinologist in Boulder cost me $210. The same test through HealthCheckUSA costs $85.” Unless your insurance will cover both the doctor visit and lab costs – HealthCheckUSA is a great bargain!”

Popular Blood Testing Panels from HealthCheckUSA
- Basic Health and Wellness Assessment
- Men’s Comprehensive Blood Testing Profile
- Women’s Comprehensive Blood Testing Profile
- Total Health and Wellness Lab Assessment

Common Blood Testing Questions

What is a laboratory test (also known as blood test) from HealthCheckUSA?
A laboratory test (blood test) is a health screening service that can determine many things about your health that may otherwise go undetected. The tests that you order are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by physicians. A small sample of your blood is tested by a fully accredited Medical Reference Laboratory, and then analyzed for the tests that have been requested by you or your doctor.

Why are laboratory tests from HealthCheckUSA useful?
A regular physical examination helps to determine your level of health that a doctor can see, hear, or touch, such as vision, hearing, weight, respiratory functions, etc. A laboratory test (blood test) provides additional information about your health that cannot be measured in such a way. Test results keep you and your doctor informed about health issues that may otherwise be overlooked.

I am healthy – why do I need a blood test from HealthCheckUSA?
Knowledge of your blood’s chemistry is your best defense against degenerative disease. A simple blood test such as our Basic Health and Wellness Blood Testing Panel can indicate what is happening long before any symptoms of disease occur. Similar to a warning indicator on your automobile, your blood test profile is one of the best warning indicators now known to medicine. When blood tests reveal abnormalities, it is urgent to reverse the warnings as quickly as possible to avert the danger of degenerative disease. Even a blood test result that is normal is useful: not only does it help to rule out potential problem areas, it establishes a baseline of normal ranges against which future blood tests can be monitored. When you understand these blood tests and the role blood plays in your body, you can keep your blood test values within normal ranges through diet, exercise, and proper nutrition. When you visit your physician, a history of laboratory reports that you have kept can often provide the clue to a proper diagnosis.

Are blood tests from HealthCheckUSA accurate?
Yes – 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.

Which are some of the more popular types of blood tests from HealthCheckUSA?
Our most popular blood test for first-time clients is the Basic Health and Wellness Blood Testing Panel. The Basic Health and Wellness blood test panel establishes a comprehensive foundation of all aspects of your health, upon which future blood tests can be measured. Once this baseline has been established, many clients use the panel of blood tests as a regular check of progress, and to monitor the effects of a change in diet, exercise, or lifestyle.

Why do I need a Complete Blood Count (CBC) blood test from HealthCheckUSA?
A CBC blood test is the most frequently performed lab test. It provides a great deal of information about the three kinds of cells in the blood – red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is most frequently used as a blood screening test, as an anemia check, and as a blood test for infection, but it is also used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a large number of other conditions. Included in the CBC blood test are hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, red blood cell indices, white blood cell count, white blood cell differential, and platelet count.

Why do I need a Thyroid Blood Test Panel 2 from HealthCheckUSA?
The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body. This hormone regulates the metabolism of the body by increasing the rate of the reactions taking place in the body’s cells. The panel of thyroid blood tests are used to evaluate the symptoms of excess (hyperthyroidism) such as unexplained weight loss, tremor, nervousness, rapid heart rate, diarrhea, or the sensation of always being too hot. Symptoms of too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) are unexplained weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, or the sensation of always being too cold.

How do I take a blood test from HealthCheckUSA?
Simply choose which lab test you wish to take from the list offered, select the most convenient laboratory location, fill out the client information profile, and select your method of payment. You will be sent a personalized requisition form by email to take to your selected laboratory location. The technician at the laboratory will draw a small sample of your blood for testing. As you have prepaid for this service, no further payment will be required at the laboratory.

Do I need to fast before taking a blood test?
To ensure absolute accuracy, a ten-hour fast is recommended. Black coffee and water are permitted during your period of fast.

Will I be able to understand the results of my blood test?
Yes – all blood test results include reference ranges and abnormalities found. A detailed explanation of each blood test can be viewed on this web site.

How can I contact someone if I have questions about my blood test results?
Any questions regarding significant findings or abnormal levels should be discussed with your doctor. Any other questions pertaining to your blood test results should be sent us via email.

Can I take the blood test results to my doctor for a diagnosis?
Yes – the blood tests that you order are the same medically accepted lab tests ordered by physicians, and your doctor will be able to discuss them with you. Your doctor will use these results in conjunction with your history and may even decide to order additional tests to confirm the results of any abnormalities.

How do I access my blood test results online at HealthCheckUSA.com?
We now offer the ability for our customers to download their results directly online through our HealthCheckUSA.com web site. As mentioned in our privacy policy, this is a completely secure process and all results remain entirely confidential. We do not give access nor do we distribute any personal customer information to third parties whatsoever.

In order to view your results online, you must register through HealthCheckUSA.com.

Simply order your test through normal process. Once ordering process is complete, the next screen will ask you for a unique username and password. This information will be processed immediately and your account will be activated. Please click here to order a test.

Results are typically available for viewing within 7 business days. (Depending on the type of result ordered, in most cases, results will be available sooner). To view you’re your results, simply log onto HealthCheckUSA at your convenience and enter your username and password to view your results. Please keep record of your username and password as HealthCheckUSA does not have access to this information for your own protection.
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How Does the Physician Interpretation work?
Once you have your blood drawn, your results are sent directly to you as usual. If you elect to have your results reviewed by a board certified physician, you will also receive instructions on how to access the interpretation of your results. By calling a toll free number and using your user identification number and personal identification number (provided with instructions), you will have access to your personal interpretation. Interpretations are available 72 hours after your blood draw.

What is the proper use of HealthCheckUSA’s drug tests?
These drug tests are for screening purposes only. Positives have not been confirmed for legal use and specimens have not been collected under legal guidelines for secure collection, therefore results cannot be used for employment or other legal reasons. Although a negative result indicates no drugs were detected above the method’s cutoff level, other methods may be used to detect lower levels of the drugs in the urine. Results can also be affected by the amount of urine excreted, weight or body type of person taking drug, acidity or alkalinity (pH) of urine, and frequency of drug taken. We offer two separate drug screening panels: Drug Screen Panel 1 and Drug Screen Panel 2. (Pricing may vary according to location you choose.)

As with all of our testing, results of the drug tests are entirely confidential and not shared with any third party and fully compliant with our privacy policy. Any questions please contact our customer service at (800) 929-2044.
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What is a HealthCheckUSA Walk-In Site?
In efforts to make the process more convenient to you, HealthCheckUSA has 2 locations in San Antonio, Texas. At these locations there is no need to pre-pay on-line or wait for us to send you the paperwork. Simply walk in to this location directly at your convenience without any appointment! This location will accept check or credit card payment and draw your blood immediately. Call our customer service for any further questions 1(800) 929-2044.


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, blood test for pregnancy, and many more. Please go to HealthCheckUSA or call 800-929-7044 for complete details.

Low Cost Thyroid Testing from HealthCheckUSA

Category : thyroid screenings

Thyroid testing and thyroid cancer

Thyroid screenings aren’t the first things most people think of when we think about lab tests, but perhaps they should be in our top ten for “most important lab tests.” Certainly thyroid testing can be lifesavers because of how critical the thyroid gland is to our daily health and wellness.

Thyroid Testing: the thyroid

Your thyroid gland is a hormone factory in your throat, and it’s the metronome for all your body’s cells. Too much thyroid hormone and you’ll be on overdrive, suffering from tension, sweating, weak thighs and upper arms, frequent bowel movements and an erratic pulse. Too little, and you’ll suffer from hypothyroidism symptoms like exhaustion, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, sore muscles, depression and a constant feeling of being cold.

Thyroid cancer is another thyroid-related disease. Fortunately, most thyroid cancers are associated with an excellent outlook. Thyroid cancer is more likely to afflict people who’ve had childhood x-ray treatments for acne, Hodgkin’s, enlarged tonsils and/or thymus glands. Routine x-rays do not pose such a risk.

Thyroid Blood Tests

The Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Test, or TSH test, is offered in three packages at HealthCheckUSA, and it’s the most important test for determining thyroid status. The TSH thyroid screening analyzes the hormone production of your thyroid gland. The American Thyroid Association recommends that everyone over 35 get a TSH thyroid screening every five years.

If your TSH thyroid blood test comes back abnormal, the usual procedure is to follow up with a total T4 or free T4 test as confirmation; these check for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and are effective thyroid screenings for infants. The total T3 lab test and free T3 lab test are other common thyroid screenings used to check for hyperthyroidism.

HealthCheckUSA Thyroid Blood Tests

HealthCheckUSA offers two economical thyroid blood testing panels that combine multiple thyroid lab tests with the TSH thyroid blood test at an affordable price. The Thyroid Panel includes the TSH thyroid blood test as well as the T3 uptake, T4 total, and T7 thyroid screening tests. The Thyroid Panel II provides you with the TSH blood test and the free T3 and free T4 thyroid blood tests. The T3 Free and T4 free thyroid blood tests are believed to be more reliable than T3 uptake and T4 total thyroid blood tests. Thyroid Panel II is recommended by Stop the Thyroid Madness.

Other thyroid screening offerings at HealthCheckUSA include the standalone TSH thyroid blood test, the TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) thyroid test and the anti-thyroid antibodies screening, which helps your doctor or accredited lab specialist distinguish between different thyroid ailments and pick out any autoimmune thyroid problems.

Thyroid blood testing tips

Several medications can interfere with a TSH thyroid blood test, like corticosteroid, aspirin, and lithium. Also, if you’ve had recent X-ray that used radioactive dyes, ask your doctor when you can take a TSH thyroid screening. Women in their first trimester should also ask their doctor about the proper time to get a TSH thyroid blood test.

Individuals with thyroid problems can live normal lives as long as they properly manage their thyroid condition. If you have a family history of thyroid problems, don’t hesitate to order a lab test and get a thyroid screening at HealthCheckUSA!