Low Cost Blood Testing: The Health Check USA Blog » HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Flu Shot

Posted by David | Posted on 15-10-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Flu Shot – your best bet for avoiding influenza

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Swine flu (H1N1) Symptoms and Self Care

The following information is from the Mayo Clinic.

Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza

Getting a flu shot often protects you from coming down with the flu. And while the flu shot doesn’t always provide total protection, it’s still worth getting..

by the Mayo Clinic

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the vaccines that will be available this fall to protect people against several seasonal flu (influenza) viruses expected to be in circulation this fall and winter.

This annual flu shot won’t contain protection against the pandemic swine flu (novel H1N1) virus. A separate vaccine has been developed for the swine flu virus.

Influenza is a respiratory infection that sickens millions of people each year and can cause serious complications, especially in children and older adults. Fortunately, the flu vaccine — available in the form of a flu shot or a nasal spray — offers protection against the flu.

Here are the answers to common questions about flu shots.

When is the flu vaccine available?
The flu vaccine is generally offered between September and mid-November, which is typically before the late-fall to early winter start of flu season. However, getting a flu shot even later in the flu season may still protect you. It takes up to two weeks to build immunity following a flu shot.

Why do I need to get vaccinated every year?
You need annual flu protection because the influenza virus changes from year to year. The flu vaccine you got last year wasn’t designed to fight the virus strains in circulation this flu season.

Influenza viruses mutate so quickly that they can render one season’s vaccine ineffective by the next season. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory committee meets early in the year to estimate which strains of influenza virus will be most prevalent during the upcoming flu season, and manufacturers produce vaccine based on those recommendations.

Who should get the flu vaccine?
Most people who want to reduce the risk of getting influenza can get a flu shot. The CDC recommends the flu vaccine each year if you:
- Are age 6 months up to 19 years
- Are pregnant
- Are 50 years old or older
- Have a chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart, kidney or lung disease
- Have a weakened immune system such as from some medications or HIV infection
- Are a resident of a nursing home or other long term care facility
- Are a child care worker or health care worker or live with or care for someone at high risk of complications from the flu

Who shouldn’t get the flu shot?
Don’t get a flu shot if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past.
- Are allergic to chicken eggs.
- Developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a serious autoimmune disease affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, within six weeks of receiving the vaccine in the past. People who have experienced Guillain-Barre after the flu vaccine are at higher risk than are others of developing it again.
- Have a fever. Wait until your symptoms improve before getting vaccinated.

What are my options for the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine comes in two forms:

A shot. A flu shot contains an inactivated vaccine made of killed virus. The injection is usually given in the arm. Because the viruses in the vaccine are killed (inactivated), the shot won’t cause you to get the flu, but it will enable your body to develop the antibodies necessary to ward off influenza viruses. You may have a slight reaction to the shot, such as soreness at the injection site, mild muscle ache or fever. Reactions usually last one to two days and are more likely to occur in children who have never been exposed to flu virus.

A nasal spray. Administered through your nose, the nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) consists of a low dose of live, but weakened, flu viruses. The vaccine doesn’t cause the flu, but it does prompt an immune response in your nose and upper airways as well as throughout your body.

What kind of protection does the flu vaccine offer?
According to the CDC, when the match between flu vaccine and circulating strains of flu virus is close, a flu shot is between 70 and 90 percent effective in warding off influenza in healthy people under age 65.

The flu vaccine is less effective:
- When the vaccine isn’t a close match to the type of flu viruses circulating in the community
- In people over the age of 65
- In people with compromised immune systems
- Why do children need two doses of the flu vaccine?
- Children younger than 9 years old require two doses of the flu vaccine if it’s the first time they’ve been vaccinated for influenza. That’s because children don’t develop an adequate antibody level the first time they get the vaccine. Antibodies help fight the virus if it enters your child’s system. If a flu vaccine shortage were to occur and your child couldn’t get two doses of vaccine, one dose might still offer some protection.

I heard the flu shot isn’t very effective for older adults. Is it worth getting vaccinated if you’re over 65?
If you’re over age 65, the vaccine doesn’t offer as much protection as it would to someone younger because older adults produce fewer antibodies in response to the virus. Still, the vaccine offers more protection than does skipping the shot altogether. More important, the flu vaccine decreases the risk of flu-related complications — especially pneumonia, heart attack, stroke and death — to which older adults are especially vulnerable.

Can I lower my risk of the flu without getting a flu shot?
With or without a flu shot, you can take steps to help protect yourself from the flu and other viruses. Good hygiene remains your primary defense against contagious illnesses.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible.
- Avoid crowds when the flu is most prevalent in your area.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

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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.

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Posted by David | Posted on 15-10-2009

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

Category : HealthCheckUSA News

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Swine 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.

Posted by David | Posted on 14-09-2009

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HealthCheckUSA is now offering new STD urine tests for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, which is the industry standard method of testing for these STD diseases. Go to www.HealthCheckUSA.com for ordering information.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rates of Chlamydia infection increased in 2007 for the seventh consecutive year. In 2007, 1.1 million Chlamydia diagnoses were reported. This is a 7.5 percent increase from 2006! This increase could be partially due to more STD testing, especially in women, and to the use of more sensitive STD tests. However, health officials believe that the reported number of diagnoses might not reflect the actual number of infections, which could be closer to 3 million.
Underreporting is common because many people are unaware of their infection and do not seek testing. That’s unfortunate, because while Chlamydia infection may be silent, it’s also serious. Chlamydia can cause irreversible damage to a woman’s reproductive tract, affecting her ability to have babies.

So what is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia primarily targets the cells of mucous membranes including the urethra (both male and female), vagina, cervix and endometrium (lining of the uterus). It can also target the mouth and throat. Infections in the mouth and throat happen infrequently. Ejaculation is not necessary to spread Chlamydia.

When should you get tested for Chlamydia?
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 testing 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. STD testing 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 the STD Chlamydia don’t have symptoms at the time of diagnosis.

Common Symptoms for 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

Gonorrhea STD Urine Test, NAA

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

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterium that can infect men and women. Gonorrhea can affect the urethra, rectum and throat of both men and women. In women, gonorrhea can also infect the cervix.

Most people contract gonorrhea during sex. But pregnant women with gonorrhea can also pass the bacterium onto their babies. In babies, gonorrhea most commonly affects the eyes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that about 700,000 people contract gonorrhea each year in the United States. Many don’t know they have gonorrhea. You can protect yourself from gonorrhea by abstaining from sex or by using a condom if you choose to have sex.

Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea that affects the urethra in men include:
- Painful urination
- Pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis and Pain or swelling in one testicle

Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea that affects the cervix or urethra in women include:
- Increased vaginal discharge and Painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse
- Abdominal pain and Pelvic pain

Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea that affects the rectum include:
- Anal itching
- Pus-like discharge from the rectum
- Spots of bright red blood on toilet tissue
- Straining to have a bowel movement

Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea that affects the eye include:
- Eye pain and Pus-like discharge from the eye
- Sensitivity to light

Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea that affects the throat include:
- Sore throat and Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to significant complications, such as:

Infertility in women. Untreated gonorrhea can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may result in scarring of the tubes, greater risk of pregnancy complications and infertility. PID may lead to abdominal pain, backache, irregular menstrual periods, pain during intercourse and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. It’s a serious infection that requires immediate treatment.

Infertility in men. Men with untreated gonorrhea can experience epididymitis — inflammation of the rear portion of the testicles where the sperm ducts are located (epididymis). Epididymitis is treatable, but if left untreated, it may lead to infertility.
Infection that spreads to the joints and other areas of your body. The bacterium that causes gonorrhea can spread through the bloodstream and infect other parts of your body, including your joints. Fever, rash, skin sores, joint pain, swelling and stiffness are possible results.

Increased risk of HIV/AIDS. Having gonorrhea makes you more susceptible to infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that leads to AIDS. People who have both gonorrhea and HIV are able to pass both diseases more readily to their partners.

Complications in babies. Babies who contract gonorrhea from their mothers during birth can develop blindness, sores on the scalp, joint infections and other infections.

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Posted by David | Posted on 26-08-2009

HealthCheckUSA Health Test Education: Importance of Condoms in preventing STD’s

Category : std testing

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Importance of Condoms in preventing STD’s

By Mayo Clinic staff

A male condom is a thin sheath placed over the erect penis just before sexual intercourse. Condoms, commonly called rubbers, are a very effective way to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are simple to use, inexpensive and widely available.
Condoms are usually made of latex, but some are made from polyurethane or lambskin. Latex and polyurethane condoms provide the most protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are available with or without a lubricant in a variety of lengths, shapes, widths and thicknesses — and even come in different colors. Some condoms are textured to enhance sensation.

Condoms can prevent both pregnancy and STDs
If you use them correctly every time you have sex, condoms are effective at preventing pregnancy and the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Condoms also reduce the risk of infection from other STDs, such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes, Syphilis and Hepatitis.

Condoms don’t have the side effects found in some forms of female contraception, such as birth control pills or shots, or potential complications of an intrauterine device (IUD). They are available without a prescription, and are easy to obtain.

Risks of using Condoms to prevent STD’s
• Some people are allergic to latex, and if either partner is allergic, he or she may react to contact with a latex condom. Reactions to latex include rash, hives, runny nose, swelling and constriction of the airways and loss of blood pressure. In this case, a condom made from polyurethane or lambskin may be an option.
• While condoms are an effective way to prevent the transmission of STDs and to prevent pregnancy, they aren’t foolproof. While it’s rare, it’s still possible to get an STD or get pregnant when using a condom, especially if it breaks or comes off during sex. Even if you use condoms on a regular basis, it is still very important to get routine STD testing. Affordable, confidential STD testing is available from www.HealthCheckUSA.com

How you prepare to use a condom
Condoms are available without a prescription. They’re sold in many stores and from vending machines in some restrooms. Condoms may be less expensive at family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood. They’re also usually available at university health centers.

Condoms come in a number of shapes, sizes and textures. Finding a condom that works well for you can take a little trial and error.
• Fit is important. If it’s too tight, a condom is more likely to break. If it’s too loose, it may slip off.
• Some men find that condoms decrease sensation or are uncomfortable to wear. You may find that a certain type of condom is more comfortable for you or provides greater sensation during sex.

Some condoms are lubricated with nonoxynol-9, a spermicide meant to help prevent pregnancy. However, condoms without spermicide appear to be a better option for several reasons:
• Spermicidal condoms don’t appear to be any more effective than other lubricated condoms at preventing pregnancy.
• Nonoxynol-9 may irritate or damage skin cells in the vagina and rectum. This could potentially increase the risk of getting an STD.
• Spermicide doesn’t help protect you or your partner against HIV/AIDS or other STDs.
• Spermicidal condoms cost more than other types of condoms and have a shorter shelf life.

Condom safety tips
• Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Exposure to air, heat and light increases the chance that a condom will break. Don’t keep condoms in a billfold, back pocket or glove compartment for an extended period of time. Friction, perspiration and changes in temperature can cause condoms to break down and become less reliable.
• Check the expiration date. Don’t use a condom after its expiration has passed.
• Check condoms for damage — brittleness, small tears or pinprick holes — before using.
• With latex condoms, be sure to use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly. Don’t use oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, cooking oil or lotion. They can weaken a latex condom and cause it to break.
• Never reuse a condom. If a condom is inside out and does not unroll easily, don’t flip it over because there may be semen in it. Use another condom.
• If you’re concerned about preventing STDs, use a latex or polyurethane condom. Lambskin condoms don’t protect against STDs as well as latex or polyurethane condoms do. Read the label on the package to see what the condom is made of and whether it’s labeled for STD prevention.
• For the best protection from STDs, use a condom during any sexual activity, whether vaginal, oral or anal.

What you can expect from Condoms
It’s important to use condoms carefully, correctly and consistently.
• Open the package carefully. Don’t use teeth or fingernails.
• If you use condoms that aren’t already lubricated, apply lubricant inside and outside of the condom.
• If you’re not circumcised, make sure you pull your foreskin back before putting on the condom.
• Place the tip of the rolled-up condom over the erect penis. The rolled rim should be on the outside.
• Gently press the tip of the condom to remove air.
• Unless the condom has a reservoir tip, unroll the condom down over the entire penis while leaving room — a half-inch space — at the tip to collect the semen.
• Remove any air bubbles to make sure the condom fits correctly. An air bubble could cause the condom to tear or come off.
• After intercourse, withdraw the penis while holding the base of the condom so that the condom doesn’t come off. Then remove the condom and dispose of it in the trash. Don’t flush condoms down the toilet

Results of condom use
Condoms are an effective form of birth control. However, about 1 in 50 couples who use condoms correctly will get pregnant in a year. Chances of pregnancy increase if you don’t always wear a condom during intercourse, or you use condoms incorrectly.

Although there is still some risk for getting or transmitting STDs, condoms are very effective at preventing the transmission of most STDs. When used correctly, a condom creates a barrier that limits your exposure — and your partner’s exposure — to semen or other body fluids that can carry STDs.

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Posted by David | Posted on 26-08-2009

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Basic Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Panel

Posted by David | Posted on 31-07-2009

HealthCheckUSA Medical Information: Cholesterol Blood Test

Category : blood tests, heart disease test

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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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Posted by David | Posted on 29-07-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Male Menopause and Low T

Category : HealthCheckUSA News

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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.

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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.

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Posted by David | Posted on 28-07-2009

HealthCheckUSA News Alert: Prenatal Blood Testing of Thyroid is Debated

Category : thyroid screenings

Tags: american thyroid association, anemia, Antibody, blood, blood sugar test, blood test, blood test for pregnancy, blood testing, blood tests, blood type test, cancer, cholesterol, complete, complete blood count, cumulative evidence, deficiency, diabetes, discount blood tests, disease, diseases, disorders, doctor, endocrinologist, female, glucose, hdl, health, healthcheckusa, healthy, heart, hepatitis, herpes, hormone, hormone production, hyperism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, iron, kidney, lab, liver, low cost blood test, low cost blood testing, metabolism, new york times, online blood testing, online blood tests, panel, physician, pre eclampsia, pregnant, premature birth, prevention, prostate, psa, risk women, screening, std, STDs, super chemistry blood test, syphilis, test, test blood, test measures, testing, testosterone, tests, thyroid, thyroid blood test, thyroid deficiency, thyroid gland, thyroid problems, thyroid screening, thyroid stimulating hormone, tibc, triglycerides, tsh, tsh blood test, VAP blood test, wellness

By INGFEI CHEN, New York Times (published April 14, 2009)

When women think about pregnancy, the thyroid gland is seldom the first thing that leaps to mind. Nestled in the neck, the gland makes hormones that govern metabolism, helping to regulate body weight, heart rate and a host of other factors.

But if the thyroid malfunctions, it can produce too little or too much of these hormones. During pregnancy those conditions, known as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively, may lead to miscarriage, premature birth and pre-eclampsia — and in the case of hypothyroidism, impaired intelligence in the child.

A decade and a half of research has now brought the cumulative evidence of these risks to a critical mass. Clinical guidelines call for vigilant monitoring and treatment of patients to keep thyroid reserves normal and to safely guide women through pregnancy and early motherhood.

But because thyroid problems can easily go undiagnosed, the hazards have also set off a debate over whether every woman who is pregnant or planning to be should have a blood test to check her thyroid. That test measures for thyroid-stimulating hormone, or T.S.H., which spurs the gland’s hormone production.

Most doctors’ groups have not endorsed universal prenatal thyroid screening, citing uncertainties over whether it would yield health benefits justifying the expense of testing in roughly 6.4 million pregnancies each year and educating doctors to read results that are tricky to interpret.

But the big unanswered question — and crux of the debate — is whether treatment would help women with a mild, common form of thyroid deficiency, called subclinical hypothyroidism. For now, medical societies advise testing only high-risk women.

As a matter of policy, Dr. Kenneth D. Burman, the president of the American Thyroid Association, agrees with that stance for now. Yet like more and more endocrinologists, he offers TSH blood test for pregnancy in his practice, at Washington Hospital Center in Washington.

“Every patient I see who’s considering getting pregnant or is pregnant gets a thyroid function blood test ,” he said. “And I think that’s the right thing to do.”

He and others say they expect more and more doctors and medical societies to support universal screening after weighing all the evidence. The thyroid association is holding a symposium this Thursday and Friday in Washington to discuss the most recent research.

Symptoms of a wayward thyroid can be subtle, and pregnancy can mask them. Fatigue, weight gain and dry skin — all typical in pregnant women — can also result from hypothyroidism, said Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green, an endocrinologist at Touro University College of Medicine in Hackensack, N.J.

The opposite condition, hyperthyroidism, affects roughly 2 in 1,000 pregnancies. But again, its symptoms — poor sleep, weight loss and nervousness after childbirth — could result from other postpartum conditions. (Renaissance painters unknowingly depicted the link between thyroid problems and pregnancy by showing women with goiters from an overactive thryoid after childbirth.)

Hypothyroidism, which usually arises from underlying autoimmune disease, is the more frequent and worrisome concern. As many as 10 to 20 percent of reproductive-age women test positive for antibodies that attack the thyroid gland and may eventually destroy it. Their risk of miscarriage is doubled.

Three to five out of 1,000 women of childbearing age suffer from overt hypothyroidism, in which thyroid hormone, or T4, is low and T.S.H. is abnormally high. But the most common thyroid dysfunction is subclinical hypothyroidism, in which T4 is normal but T.S.H. is slightly elevated. That condition affects 2 to 3 percent of women but often goes undiagnosed when it causes no obvious symptoms.

Hypothyroidism may harm fetal brain development. Ten years ago, researchers in Maine analyzed blood samples from 25,216 pregnant women and identified 62 with hypothyroidism. Their children, by then 7 to 9 years old, were given intelligence tests. Nineteen percent of the children born to women with an untreated underactive thyroid had an I.Q. of 85 or lower, compared with 5 percent of those whose mothers had a healthy thyroid. “At about 85 or below, that’s where you begin to have trouble in school and in life in general,” said Dr. James E. Haddow, a pediatrician at Brown University who was an author of the study. But if mothers had their hypothyroidism treated, their children’s intelligence was not impaired.

In reaction, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists endorsed routine thyroid function (TSH) blood testing in all women considering pregnancy. But other organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have said wide-scale screening is premature until more data prove that treating subclinical hypothyroidism would prevent adverse effects in women and their offspring.

Studies do suggest that T4-replacement therapy is protective. But few large clinical trials have rigorously tested this intervention in mildly thyroid-deficient women. So far, promising results have come from one major, well-designed Italian study that showed miscarriage and preterm delivery rates dropped sharply when thyroid hormone pills were given to pregnant women who tested positive for thyroid antibodies.

Experts are now looking to the outcomes of two other major clinical trials under way in Wales and the United States. Both aim to confirm the I.Q. effects and the ability to avert them by studying pregnant women with underactive thyroids who receive hormone therapy or no treatment.

Pregnancy is such a critical time that “to expose a baby to a medication without known benefit may not be the best thing, unless we truly know that it’s helpful,” said Dr. Catherine Spong, the chief of pregnancy and perinatology at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which is sponsoring the American trial.

That study will track 1,170 expecting mothers, including women with subclinical hypothyroidism, and their children will undergo I.Q. testing at age 5. Results are expected in 2015.

Advocates of routine blood testing see no need to wait for more answers, though. Dr. Terry F. Davies, an endocrinologist at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, finds the evidence “overwhelming” that a shortage of maternal thyroid hormone harms intellectual function in babies. “Once you believe that,” he said, “it would seem to me illogical not to be sure that all women have normal thyroid function during pregnancy.”

And Dr. Haddow said universal prenatal testing could be justified on the grounds of benefiting a woman’s general health. In the Maine study, 58 percent of the pregnant women who had hypothyroidism but did not know it eventually did have it diagnosed, but it took an average of five years. Pregnancy is “an optimal time” for T.S.H. testing, he said.

Most medical societies endorse only selective blood screening. Two years ago, the Endocrine Society released recommendations for testing thyroid function (TSH) in women at high risk for thyroid disorders, including anyone with symptoms of a goiter or sluggish thyroid, or a family history of thyroid problems, as well as those with Type 1 diabetes or autoimmune disease or previous miscarriage or premature delivery.

But research since then has revealed flaws in that strategy. “The problem is, it’s not good enough,” Dr. Stagnaro-Green said. A British study found that such testing missed 30 percent of those with hypothyroidism and 69 percent of those with hyperthyroidism.

For now, until there is confirmation that treatment truly helps, Dr. Stagnaro-Green said he still favored selective thyroid function blood testing . But he added, “My belief is that data will be forthcoming that will push us towards universal screening.”

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Posted by beth | Posted on 30-05-2008

Testing For Syphilis More Important Than Ever

Category : std testing

Tags: blood, blood test, check, disease, diseases, health, health check usa, health check usa com, lab, lab test, pregnant, pregnant women, screening, sexually, sexually transmitted diseases, std, syphilis, test, testing, tests, transmitted

Syphilis Testing More Important Than Ever

Syphilis testing is more important than ever. Over the past few years, the number of reported cases of Syphilis has increased 11.8 percent and continues to go up. 64% of the reported cases of Syphilis occurred in sexually active homosexual men. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that occurs mostly in adult men and women ages 20 to 39 years of age.

In the medical community, Syphilis has often been called “the great intimidator” because the signs and symptoms are very much similar to those of other diseases.

Contracting Syphilis

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct intimate contact with a syphilis sore. Syphilis cannot be transmitted through contact with doorknobs, toilet seats, swimming pools, by trying on clothes or by using eating utensils at a restaurant. Pregnant women, however, can spread the disease to their unborn child, which is just one more reason why syphilis testing is so important.

Syphilis and Pregnancy

Depending up on how long a pregnant woman has had the disease, syphilis can cause the baby to be stillborn or develop serious problems within a few weeks from birth. These serious problems can lead to developmental delays, seizures or even death. It is very important if a woman is considering pregnancy, to be tested for Syphilis, as well as other tested for other sexually transmitted diseases.

The Dangers of Syphilis

If syphilis goes undetected or untreated, it can move into the late and latent stages. In this stage, the syphilis infection will continue even though the infected person is showing no signs or symptoms. At this stage, syphilis can damage your internal organs. If signs and symptoms of late stage Syphilis do show up, they include the following: difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia.

Testing for Syphilis

Testing for Syphilis in sexually active people who think they may have been exposed to the disease is imperative. A simple blood test will detect whether or not you have the disease. Syphilis can be treated with a course of antibiotics from your physician.

To prevent the spread of Syphilis, please practice safe sexual relations, as well as refrain from sex if you have Syphilis until you have cleared it with your physician.

If you have any questions regarding the Syphilis test, or any other lab tests available at HealthcheckUSA.com, please contact one of our customer service representatives.

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Testing For Syphilis More Important Than Ever

Syphilis Testing More Important Than Ever

Contracting Syphilis

Syphilis and Pregnancy

The Dangers of Syphilis

Testing for Syphilis

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