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Do I Need a Herpes Test?

Written by Megan on January 17, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I have been experiencing some strange symptoms and would like to know more about herpes. I’m afraid that I might need a herpes test. I don’t know if I’ve been exposed, but I did have unprotected sex recently. Please tell me more about herpes symptoms and your testing process.

Name Withheld

Denver, CO

A: There are various symptoms associated with herpes. The most common symptoms include itching and tingling, along with ulcers and blisters in the genital area. However, it is important to remember that symptoms present themselves different for everyone, and that similar symptoms can be caused by other infections or viruses. The only way to know for certain if you have contracted the herpes virus is to take a test.

Our testing process is fast, private, and simple. There aren’t any embarrassing exams or questionnaires. Simply call our office to arrange to go to one of our private collection sites, submit a blood sample, and wait for results. Results typically return in 2-3 business days. There are different herpes tests for different situations – we can help you decide which test best fits your needs.

Posted in Herpes | Tagged Herpes Test

Our Hair Follicle Drug Test Procedure

Written by Megan on January 15, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I was just told that my employer is requesting a hair follicle drug test. I’ve never had one of these before, please tell me what to expect.

Name Withheld

Atlanta, GA

A: Hair follicle testing is just an alternative to urine drug testing. It can offer an extended window of detection in comparison to the traditional urine screen. Many employers utilize the hair test to ensure that their employees do not have a past history of drug use.

When you have a hair follicle drug test, the process is pretty simple. All you have to do is go to the collection site that your employer has directed you to, and the staff will take care of the rest. The actual testing procedure involves removing 90-120 hairs from your head. This may sound like a lot, but there are thousands and thousands of hairs on your head. A trained collector can ensure that you do not experience any discomfort and that there aren’t any visible spots from the collection. Results can be complete in a matter of business days.

Do I Need to Seek STD Testing?

Written by Megan on January 10, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I am concerned about having an STD. I am a 34-year old male and have been sexually active since I was 16. I have always practiced safe sex, but I’m having some unusual symptoms. Some of the symptoms include a discharge and burning while urinating. I don’t know if I have an STD or if I have some sort of urinary tract infection. What should I do?

S. Williams

San Antonio, TX

A: Even though you have always practiced safe sex, there is still a possibility that you have an STD. The only way to know for sure is to seek STD testing. Given that you have been active for so many years and that you have noticeable symptoms, testing is definitely a good idea. While it may be possible that you have a simple UTI, you never know – and not knowing about an STD can be hazardous to your health.

Testing can be done in a couple different ways, including through your personal physician or your local health department. If these options aren’t appealing to you, we offer private, anonymous testing in discreet locations. We’ll make sure that you get the test(s) you need and that you don’t waste your money. Our results are reliable and normally available in just a matter of days.

Posted in STD Testing | Tagged Find HIV and STD Testing

Are There Any Symptoms of Chlamydia?

Written by Megan on January 8, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I have always heard that there are no noticeable symptoms of chlamydia. However, my sister says that this particular STD can show symptoms. Which one of us is right?

G. Albers

Oklahoma City, OK

A: The fact is that both of you are right. Chlamydia, like other STDs, can be tricky to self-diagnose. There are many cases in which the patient does not exhibit any symptoms at all – they just happen to find out they have the STD during other medical procedures. Chlamydia specifically is notorious for not showing symptoms. Around 75% of the time women don’t show symptoms, and around 50% of the time men don’t show symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they can include:

Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina
Abnormal bleeding
Burning during urination
Lower back pain or abdominal pain
Painful intercourse
Itching around the penis opening

When someone exhibits any of these symptoms, they should seek immediate testing for STDs. However, it is important to note that anyone who is sexually active should seek periodic testing, just to be on the safe side. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Posted in Chlamydia | Tagged Symptoms of Chlamydia

To Wait or Not to Wait for an HIV PCR Test

Written by Megan on January 3, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I just found out that my brother’s girlfriend is HIV positive. He has only been dating her for about two months. He is freaking out and so am I. Is there any way he can be tested now or should he just go ahead and wait for another month?

L. Kincaid

Round Rock, TX

A: It’s definitely necessary that your brother be tested; however, there is no need to freak out quite yet. HIV is not transmitted nearly as easily as a lot of people think. Simply sleeping with someone who is HIV positive does not guarantee you will contract it. If he has contracted it, treatment has come a long way since the virus was first discovered. Many people live long, normal lives with HIV.

That said, your brother does not necessarily have to wait another month for reliable results. An HIV PCR test is capable of detecting HIV before three months after exposure. Since your brother was exposed within the past two months, this is the best option for him if he wants results now.

He will receive accurate results in about seven business days – in many cases, the results are returned in as little as three days. Contact our office for more information on our private, discreet testing facilities.

Posted in HIV DNA by PCR | Tagged HIV PCR test

Is There an HIV Antibody Test for Recent Exposure?

Written by Megan on January 2, 2013 — Leave a Comment

Q: I had a one night stand a few weeks ago and heard a rumor that the man is HIV positive. I am concerned about this possible recent exposure to HIV. Is there an HIV antibody test that can detect this virus after recent exposure? Or, am I forced to wait for about three months?

H. Yelfner

Morristown, TN

A: If you’ve heard that a partner might be HIV positive, it is definitely a good idea to get tested as soon as possible. There is testing available that is specifically designed for early detection of HIV. You can be tested before the standard three-month window after exposure. It is more expensive than traditional antibody testing, but it can give you the answers you’re looking for early on.

If you choose to utilize our anonymous, private testing facilities, you can have your results in about 3-7 business days after the collection. The results are accurate and the testing is discreet – your privacy is always protected. Contact us today to arrange for testing and put your mind at ease.

Posted in HIV and AIDS | Tagged HIV antibody test

Get a Gonorrhea Test Even with No Symptoms

Written by Megan on December 27, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: I have been experiencing some strange symptoms. I’m a 24-year old male and have been sexually active for quite some time. I think I may have gonorrhea, but I’m too embarrassed to go to my doctor for a test. What are the symptoms of this STD and can About My Health help me with anonymous testing?

Name Withheld

Ingalls, KS

A: Gonorrhea is a common STD. With treatment, it can be cured – but it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. In men, the symptoms can involve burning during urination, an abnormal discharge from the penis and possible swelling of the testicles. However, it is important to remember that gonorrhea does not always exhibit symptoms. Left untreated, it can lead to infertility.

We offer an anonymous gonorrhea test at our collection sites. All you need to do is contact us to arrange for testing at one of our discreet testing sites. Your privacy will always be protected, you will not have to fill out any lengthy questionnaires, and there is no urethral swab – just come in, submit a urine sample, and receive your results in a matter of days.

Posted in Gonorrhea | Tagged Gonorrhea Test

Can I Get Anonymous STD Testing?

Written by Megan on December 26, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: I have been sexually active for about 5 years. I have decided to get tested for STDs. My problem is that I don’t know where to go for anonymous STD testing. I don’t want to go to my regular doctor – too many people I know visit the same doctor. Does About My Health offer anonymous testing?

Name Withheld

Hartford, CT

A: Being tested for STDs, even if you practice safe sex, is always a great idea. You want to do everything you can to protect your health. Your need of anonymity is also understandable. It can be embarrassing to visit your regular doctor and run into people you know. They might ask questions that you would rather not answer.

We absolutely can offer anonymous testing. We respect your privacy and work hard to protect it. Should you choose to test with us, you will be directed to a discreet location for testing. There will not be any invasive paperwork – just check in with a registration number and get tested. No photo ID, no questionnaires, or embarrassing exams. No one has to know why you are there, and your results will be kept confidential.

Posted in STD Testing | Tagged anonymous STD testing

Tell Me More about a Pre-Employment Drug Test

Written by Megan on December 20, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: My business is booming, and I need to hire more employees. I have decided to implement a pre-employment drug test to make sure I hire only the best workers. What types of drug tests do you offer and which is the best choice for hiring employees?

R. Tyler

Stillwater, OK

A: Congratulations on the success of your business! Hiring more employees and implementing drug testing is a good idea. The drug testing will help you eliminate those that may abuse drugs – something that you do not want to deal with on the job.

Here at About My Health, we offer both urine and hair follicle testing. Urine samples are the traditional type of testing used for pre-employment purposes. The price of these tests is cheaper than other types of testing. However, this type of testing does not have a large window of detection – so, there is always a chance that some drugs will go unnoticed. Hair follicle testing, while more expensive, has a large window of detection. Hair follicle testing can tell if someone has a history of drug use, but may have cleaned up right before they applied for a position. The option you choose depends on your testing budget and your exact concerns. If you have questions, please feel free to contact our office for more information.

Posted in Drug Testing, Hair Follicle Drug Test, Urine Drug Testing | Tagged pre-employment drug test

Seeking STD Tests for My Sexually Active Son

Written by Megan on December 18, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Q: I recently learned that my teenage son is sexually active. I am concerned about his health, because he told me that he does not always use a condom. I know that you guys offer STD tests – how can I arrange to have my son tested for STDs?

W. Marshall

Little Rock, AR

A: Since your son has not been practicing safe sex, it is definitely a good idea for him to test for STDs. We do offer various STD tests. Your son can be screened for numerous STDs, including HIV, herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Our testing process is easy and non-invasive. There are no physical exams or questionnaires; he just needs to submit a blood and/or urine sample. The results are accurate, so you will not have to worry about false positives and negatives.

To have your son screened, all you need to do is contact us. We will schedule a time for him to be tested at a convenient, private testing facility. There will be no mountains of paperwork to fill out and no need to worry about your privacy – we take every step necessary to protect your privacy and that of your son.

Posted in False Positive/Indeterminate, STD Testing | Tagged Find HIV and STD Testing

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Do I Need a Herpes Test?

Our Hair Follicle Drug Test Procedure

Do I Need to Seek STD Testing?

Are There Any Symptoms of Chlamydia?

To Wait or Not to Wait for an HIV PCR Test

Is There an HIV Antibody Test for Recent Exposure?

Get a Gonorrhea Test Even with No Symptoms

Can I Get Anonymous STD Testing?

Tell Me More about a Pre-Employment Drug Test

Seeking STD Tests for My Sexually Active Son

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