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What Types of Herpes Testing are Available?

Written by Megan on August 30, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: I just found out that my ex-boyfriend has herpes. I don’t have any herpes symptoms, but I would rather be safe than sorry. I’ve never been tested before – what are some of the available types of herpes testing?

D. Sanders

San Antonio, Texas

A: You are right – it is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to herpes. It is a good sign that you have not shown any symptoms of herpes, but it is not uncommon for people to go months, or even years without showing any signs or symptoms of an infection. The only way to know for certain is to get a test done. About My Health offers several types of testing to screen for herpes. You can opt for a screening for herpes type 1 or a screening for herpes type 2. Type 1 herpes is extremely common, and it is usually responsible for outbreaks in the oral region (cold sores, fever blisters, etc.). Most likely you are concerned about type 2 herpes, which is normally responsible for genital outbreaks. You can also choose an early-exposure type of testing, but this particular choice is more suitable for someone who fears a more recent exposure. In your particular case, since this is an ex-boyfriend and the exposure was probably some time ago, you could probably just opt for a past exposure test. The collection process is simple and private, and results are returned in 2-3 business days.

Posted in Herpes | Tagged Herpes Testing

Learning about the Two Types of HIV Testing

Written by Megan on August 28, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: I would like to get an HIV test at one of your testing facilities. Could you tell me more about the types of HIV testing you offer? I want to choose the best test for the most accurate results.

R. Finnley

Chicago, IL

A: It is always a good idea to be tested for HIV, as well as other STDs, on a regular basis. It is important to know your status to help protect yourself as well as your partners. Here at About My Health, we offer two types of testing for HIV:

HIV Antibody Test – this is the traditional form of testing for HIV. The results are considered accurate at 6-12 weeks after exposure. When you are tested at least 12 weeks after exposure, the results are conclusive. This is the less expensive type of HIV testing available.
HIV DNA PCR Test – this type of testing utilizes award-winning technology to ensure early detection. If you feel you have been recently exposed to HIV, you can get conclusive results in a timely manner. The HIV PCR test offers accurate, conclusive results in as little as 28 days after exposure, making it the ideal choice for someone facing recent exposure and needing fast answers. This is more expensive than traditional testing.

Posted in HIV DNA by PCR | Tagged HIV PCR test

What to Expect from Hair Follicle Drug Tests

Written by Megan on August 23, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: My employer has been talking about switching from urine drug tests to hair follicle drug tests. I’ve never had one of these tests before – what are they and what can I expect?

S. Lawson

Oklahoma City, OK

A: Hair follicle drug testing provides a longer look at past usage. It is ideal for looking at more long term, consistent usage whereas urine tests, while effective, have a smaller window of detection. Hair follicle tests can detect drug use for a much longer timeframe – up to 90 days. This is because when drugs metabolize, they become embedded in the follicles of your hair and they will stay there for quite some time.

For this type of test, a small sample of hair will be removed from your head. You can expect to lose about 90-120 strands of hair – but don’t worry, you have plenty of hairs to spare and there will be no glaring bald spot left behind. The lab prefers to collect from the head but in most areas a collection from the under arm, chest, or leg is also possible. Results are usually available within 3-5 days.

Posted in Hair Follicle Drug Test | Tagged Hair Follicle Drug Tests

How Can I Get a Drug Screening for My Son?

Written by Megan on August 21, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: I think my teenage son is abusing drugs. I would like to have him submit to a drug screening, but I don’t know how to get started. I want to make sure I use a reputable lab, of course, but I also want to protect our privacy – I’d rather the neighbors not find out about this. Can someone at About My Health help me?

L. Kiser

Seattle, Washington

A: We understand the frustration and fear that you must be feeling right now. The possibility that your child is using drug is not easy to face. We can most certainly help you screen your child for drug use. We specialize in making the drug testing process as fast and easy as possible – as well as affordable. All you need to do is contact us to locate the nearest AMH testing facility. Most of the time, testing can be arranged for the very same day. We can discuss what type of test is best for your situation or even set up a periodic series of tests so you can be sure your child is consistently not using.

Our private testing facilities are discreet so you can be confident that your privacy will be protected. Upon arrival at the facility, your son will promptly be tested and the collection normally takes no longer than 15 minutes. Results are usually available in 1-3 days.

When you receive the results we are here to answer any additional questions.

Posted in Drug Testing | Tagged drug screening

When is Drug Testing Necessary?

Written by Megan on August 16, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: I have never been tested for drugs, nor has anyone in my immediate family. I was just wondering about circumstances that may lead to drug testing.

J. Randell

Richardson, TX

A: There are many reasons why you, or someone you know, may eventually need to submit to drug testing. One of the most common reasons for testing is before employment. Employers have to protect their own best interests, keep insurance rates low and avoid lawsuits. Therefore, they often require prospective employees to take a drug test to ensure the individual is clean and sober.

Parents might also require their child to submit to a drug test. In cases where the child is acting strangely, failing classes, hanging out with the wrong crowd, or otherwise raising the parent’s suspicions, a drug test may be in order. The results will let the parent know if their child needs professional intervention – or maybe just an attitude adjustment.

Another common reason for testing is a court ordered drug test. If you, or someone you know, get in trouble with the law, you may have to take a drug test on a regular basis during probation. It will be up to the judge and your probation officer how often you will be required to “drop a specimen.” If you need a series of drug tests for any reason you might consider talking to customer service about a volume based discount.

Posted in Drug Testing | Tagged Drug Testing Necessary

Should I Opt for the HIV PCR Panel Test?

Written by Megan on August 14, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: My brother recently got tested for HIV at one of your testing facilities. He chose to get the HIV PCR panel test performed. I’m thinking about being tested as well. Please tell me about this test and why I should choose it over traditional testing.

W. Yodella

Salina, KS

A: People choose different forms of HIV testing for different reasons. Typically the HIV DNA PCR panel test is used by people who may have had a recent exposure to HIV, or they may have an immune deficiency that would prevent them from normally producing antibodies to the virus. It utilizes award-winning technology to get accurate results. If you are considering being tested for HIV, it has several benefits over traditional testing:

Early detection – if you feel that you were recently exposed to HIV, this is the test of choice. This test specializes in detecting the virus early – before three months after exposure. Traditional testing often doesn’t provide definitive results until three months after exposure.
Technology – this type of testing uses the latest technology to ensure accurate results. It can be more expensive than traditional testing, but the high quality procedure is well worth the money.

However, if you are just doing a checkup for HIV and have not had any recent contacts you are concerned about, an HIV antibody test can provide reliable results as well. Ultimately, the test you choose depends on your reasons for testing. Please call our office if you have questions or would like more information on the various forms of testing.

Posted in HIV DNA by PCR | Tagged HIV PCR panel test

How to Test for Methadone

Written by Megan on August 9, 2012 — Leave a Comment

“I have been taking Methadone for 2 years but now I am off. I have a pre-employment drug screen in a few days. How do I test for Methadone to make sure I pass my drug test?”

Kenny B.
Atlanta, GA

Methadone is typically not tested for in a pre-employment drug screen. However, it is possible for your future employer to request a more extensive drug panel. If you would like to test for methadone prior to your pre-employment drug screen, there are a couple different options for you.

Methadone is included in a 9 Panel Urine Analysis and a 12 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Screen. Most employers require a 5 Panel Urine Analysis which carries a relatively short window detection time and tests for marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, cocaine, and PCP. If you are concerned that your employer will require a hair follicle drug screen you will need a 12 Panel to test for Methadone. The 12 Panel is a little more expensive than a 5 Panel and results typically take longer to come back. If a 12 Panel is a test more appropriate for your situation it is a good idea to make testing arrangements soon.

Posted in Drug Testing, Hair Follicle Drug Test, Urine Drug Testing | Tagged Hair Follicle Drug Test, methadone drug screen, methadone testing, Test for methadone

How to Test for Ecstasy

Written by Megan on August 9, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: I think my son has been using ecstasy, but I want to be sure before I confront him. Is there any way to test for ecstasy use?

Jaime S.
Chicago, IL

A: Yes there is a way to test for ecstasy; however, it is a bit more complicated than doing a standard drug screen. Ecstasy, or MDMA, is technically an amphetamine. However, the normal amphetamine screen will typically not detect use of the drug. Fortunately there is a test available that can tell if someone has used ecstasy. The test can be performed using either a urine or hair specimen, and depending on your situation one test may be better than the other. Urine testing is typically better for detecting light, recent use, but is not ideal for detecting past usage. Hair testing can go back as far 90 days; however, it is not ideal for picking up light or recent usage. You may discuss this with a counselor when you set up your test.

Most likely, if you are going to test for ecstasy you will need a five panel drug screen with an MDMA section. The testing process is simple and results tend to come back quickly. The test will be able to differentiate between the metabolites of ecstasy and the metabolites of other substances, so you can be sure you are getting reliable results. Make sure you discuss your exact situation with the counselor when you set up the testing to be sure you are getting exactly what you need.

Posted in Drug Testing, Urine Drug Testing | Tagged ecstasy test, ecstasy testing, MDMA, test for ecstasy

Gonorrhea Symptoms: Often Non-Existent and Easy to Overlook

Written by Megan on August 2, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Gonorrhea is a common STD that is transmitted through sexual contact. It is such a common disease that more than 700,000 new cases are reported each year. Gonorrhea is a treatable STD – but, if left untreated, it can have a lasting effect on your general health. Since treatment is the only way to stop the spread of gonorrhea, it is essential that you seek testing on a regular basis. It is also important that you understand the gonorrhea symptoms, so you can be aware of what to watch out for in case of exposure.

Men may experience pain or swelling of the testicles, burning during urination, and a white, green or yellow discharge from the penis.
Women may experience pain/burning while urinating, increased discharge and between-period bleeding. Women often mistake this STD as a bladder or urinary tract infection.
Gonorrhea can be transmitted to the throat, causing a sore throat, but usually no other symptoms.

You should remember that in many cases, there are no obvious gonorrhea symptoms. Testing is the best way to find out if you have this STD. AMH can provide you with private testing to help you avoid the embarrassment that may come from having to tell your doctor you need to be tested. Contact us today for more information and get your results in a matter of days – in some cases, the very next day after testing. The sooner you seek testing, the sooner you can get your results and, if necessary, begin treatment.

Posted in Gonorrhea | Tagged Gonorrhea Symptoms: Often Non-Existent and Easy to Overlook

An Overview of Chlamydia Symptoms

Written by Megan on July 31, 2012 — Leave a Comment

There are many STDs out there – and if you do not practice safe sex, you run the risk of exposure. Chlamydia, although a common and easily treated STD, can have serious effects on your health if left untreated. While testing is the only definitive way to know with certainty whether you have an STD, it is important to educate yourself on the facts. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and it is the most common STD in the world. The chlamydia symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

Painful urination
Discharge from vagina or penis
Itching
Burning while urinating
Pain in lower back
Pain in lower abdomen
Fever and nausea
Painful intercourse
Rectal pain, bleeding and/or discharge

It is important to note that approximately 50% of males and 75% of females will show no chlamydia symptoms at all. This is why it is essential that you get tested for various STDs on a regular basis, especially if you put yourself at a higher risk by having unprotected sex with more than one partner. You can seek testing from your primary physician, your local health department, or if you would rather maintain a high level of anonymity, you can contact AMH for information on private testing.

Posted in Chlamydia | Tagged An Overview of Chlamydia Symptoms

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What Types of Herpes Testing are Available?

Learning about the Two Types of HIV Testing

What to Expect from Hair Follicle Drug Tests

How Can I Get a Drug Screening for My Son?

When is Drug Testing Necessary?

Should I Opt for the HIV PCR Panel Test?

How to Test for Methadone

How to Test for Ecstasy

Gonorrhea Symptoms: Often Non-Existent and Easy to Overlook

An Overview of Chlamydia Symptoms

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