New Tests for PHL 2009
In response to numerous inquiries, PHL will be offering eight new tests addressing the needs of specific target groups. These tests take our screening to the next level. Perhaps you'll see a test that addresses a concern you may have for yourself or a loved one. Maybe you'll find ways to prevent a recurrence or divert a health issue. Some are just new and improved ways of testing things PHL has offered for years. It's possible that none of these tests will apply to you at this time. But we wanted to make them available for those who may find them an important tool in improving and maintaining good health. The tests listed below will be available at all PHL sites. These tests costs are about 20% or less of their cost in a physician's office.
Hemoglobin A1C - $5
This was one of the most requested tests last year. This test is designed to help diabetics look at how well their glucose levels have been regulated over the past 2 to 3 months. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. Proteins link to glucose molecules. The more excess glucose you have, the more molecules that will link (or glycate) with your hemoglobin. These glycated molecules stay linked for the life of the cell about 4 months until they are replaced by new cells with fresh hemoglobin. So the test can track how well you've maintained your glucose levels over the last several months. This does not replace the need for home checks, but enhances theby expanding your view of your glucose levels from a particular time of the day, to your consistency for months.
Glycomark - $15
Glycomark is deigned to measure spikes in glucose levels after meals. It looks at how well diabetics have managed their levels over the last two weeks with an emphasis on the last few days by measuring the way their body handles glucose spikes after eating. This test along with A1C, gluscose and other lipid panels can be read by your doctor to get a good idea of how best to treat your diabetes and adjust levels of medication if needed.
Vitamin D - $35
Scientists at John Hopkins have
reported findings linking inadequate levels of Vitamin D to increased risk of death. There are several studies citing the role of Vitamin D in diabetes, cancer, heart disease, cognitive problems, bone density, rickets and even multiple sclerosis.
Herpes 1 & 2 - $25
This blood test checks for the presence of Herpes Simplex 1 & 2.
Hepatitis B - $10
Hepatitis B is a viral disease that affects the liver. This test is often required of food handlers, people working with the elderly or with children, people who travel outside the country to area with high infrection rates, people who engaged in risky sexual behavior or who come in contact with bodily fluids. Hepatitis B vaccinations became routine for children in 1991. If you work with any of the groups above, were born before 1991 and have not been vacinated, you may be interested in getting this test.
H. pylori Breath Test - $35
For years PHL has offered a low cost H.pylori test that will show if you have been exposed to this bacteria that researchers believe is responsible for many peptic ulcers. Once you test positive for H. pylori you will always test positive (much like a TB test). However, the blood test couldn't tell if the infection was still active or not. This new breath test will determine if there is active H.pylori bacteria in your stomach or whether treatment has been effective in eliminating it.
This simple painless test requires the participant to breathe into a bag, then drink a liquid, wait a few minutes and breathe into another bag. Without this test, it is necessary to take a sample of the stomach lining (usually a tube is inserted down the throat) to determine if the bacteria is active.
New Colorectal Kit - $15
Our new Insure Colorectal Kit is faster and easier to use. It requires no special diet, no restrictions on food or medications. It comes with brushes that are used to help gather samples and are far more accurate than older models. Everything you need is in the kit and it comes with a postage page envelope to quickly and easily return your kit.
Colorectal cancer is most common if people over 50 years old and the risk increases with age. However, if you have a family history of colon cancer, you may want to begin screening by 40 years old.