August Newsletter - Lyme Disease, Homocysteine, and PSA Testing

What's new from LabSafe?


Ever wonder what those lab tests at your doctor's office are? We here at LabSafe think it's important to understand medical laboratory tests and we encourage everyone to have appropriate screening tests performed. In this newsletter you will find information on a few lab tests, written by our professional medical staff here at LabSafe.
LabSafe is a direct access, direct to consumer lab testing company, staffed by licensed Medical Doctors and Nurses. Direct access laboratory testing is a new concept. LabSafe has nationwide contracts with major CLIA-certified clinical laboratories. All of our laboratories are certified at both the federal and state level, are approved by the FDA, and perform the same standard tests that are offered through a hospital or doctor's office. Unlike "at home" kits, LabSafe's nationwide network of Patient Services Centers are actual laboratories and draw stations, staffed by certified phlebotomists, experts in blood drawing. With more than 7,000 draw stations nationwide, we are confident we can provide you with a convenient location. Call us toll free at 1-888-333-LABS to find the draw station nearest you.
Because we offer the same high quality tests as your doctor's office or hospital with an emphasis on convenience and privacy, you're more likely to schedule regular testing that could help you maintain or improve your health.
With LabSafe, there's no reason to wait for an opening in your doctor's schedule. Draw appointments can be scheduled on the same day of your call and typically take less than 30 minutes of you valuable time.
The next time you need to have a blood test or urine test, call us toll free at 1-888-333-LABS to check our low prices and receive and additional 10% off! You can also visit our website at www.labsafe.com to check prices and learn more about lab testing.
With LabSafe, testing is confidential, convenient, reliable, and affordable. Call us today at 1-888-333-LABS and take advantage of your LabSafe Preferred Membership!

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried primarily by the deer tick. People bitten by an infected tick develop this inflammatory disease, which first affects the skin and then may spread to the joints, nervous system, and other body systems. A rash may appear within 1-2 weeks. The rash usually is red and may surround the location of the tick bite in what is sometimes referred to as a "bull's eye" pattern. Other symptoms may include arthritis-like joint pain, fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and stiff neck.
There are tests that can diagnose Lyme disease. One measures the levels of antibodies in the body that have developed against the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete (bacterium). This test may appear negative if it is done in the first few weeks after infection. Therefore, if symptoms persist, the test should be repeated a few weeks later. A Western blot or DNA-based test also may be performed to confirm an initial screening test. The Western blot test is more accurate because it is used to examine the blood for antibodies specific to Borrelia burgdorferi. A DNA-based test based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may also be done and is even more sensitive; it is used to detect the genetic material of the infecting bacteria.
If untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more severe symptoms can, including painful arthritis, joint swelling, heart problems, and central nervous system problems that could lead to mental disorders. Fortunately, with early detection and treatment, Lyme disease can be cured. There are several oral antibiotics available to treat this disease.

The American Lyme Disease Foundation had stated, “The ELISA screens for elevated blood levels of antibodies produced in response to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. If performed at least 4 weeks after a tick bite, this test will identify virtually all patients with Lyme disease”.
As with all test the results should be reviewed with your Primary physician.


HOMOCYSTEINE

Homocysteine is an amino acid. Homocysteine is increasingly being recognized as an important risk factor for a number of common medical conditions. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Osteoporosis, and Diabetes. According to WHO (World Health Organization) estimates, each year 16.7 million people die globally from cardiovascular disease. Those with dangerously high homocysteine levels increase their risk of a heart attack by 50%. Early identification of high homocysteine levels is important. A simple homocysteine blood test could save your life.Traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) can only explain approximately two thirds of observed clinical events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Homocysteine is not a traditional risk factor but has been strongly implicated in CAD and is thought to play a significant role in the development of CAD. Epidemiological studies over the past 30 years have shown that increased concentrations of homocysteine are associated with vascular disease, including cardiovascular disease and peripheral arteriovascular disease. This link is independent of other risk factors, is consistent across many studies, and is strongly related to the concentration of homocysteine in the blood. That is, the higher the homocysteine level, the greater the risk of CAD. Homocysteine promotes injury to the walls of blood vessels by oxidants, thus contributing to the hardening of arteries and other blood vessels. Studies have shown that blood homocysteine levels can be reduced by dietary supplements of folic acid and B vitamins. Taking antioxidants has shown to be beneficial, and it is theorized that antioxidants may diminish homocysteine induced oxidant damage.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
PSA is a protein produced primarily by cells in the prostate, a small gland that encircles the urethra in males and produces a fluid that makes up part of semen. Most of the PSA that the prostate produces is released into this fluid, but small amounts of it are also released into the bloodstream. PSA exists in two forms in the blood: free (not bound) and complexed (bound to a protein). The most frequently measured PSA test is the total PSA, which measures the sum of the free PSA and the cPSA (PSA complexed with other plasma proteins). When a doctor orders a “PSA test,” he is referring to a total PSA. Free PSA and cPSA tests can also be ordered individually. The tests that measure them were developed to better differentiate between cancer-related and non-cancer-related PSA increases. Both of the tests operate on the principle that patients with prostate cancer frequently have altered ratios of the two forms of PSA - decreased amounts of free PSA and increased amounts of cPSA. A free PSA is primarily ordered when a patient has a moderately elevated total PSA that does not appear to be caused by a non-cancer-related condition. The results give the doctor additional information about whether a patient is at an increased risk of having prostate cancer and help with the decision of whether to biopsy the prostate. In some men, PSA may rise temporarily due to other prostate conditions, especially infection. A recent study found that in about half of men with a high PSA, values later return to normal. Some authorities recommend that a high PSA should be repeated (between 6 weeks and 3 months after the high PSA) before taking any further action. Some physicians will prescribe a course of antibiotics if there is evidence that there is infection of the prostate.May 1, 2001 -- Recently revised guidelines from the American Cancer Society identify Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) as the most accurate method for early detection of prostate cancer-superior, even, to Digital Rectal Exam (DRE).

To purchase Lyme Disease testing, a Homocysteine blood test, or PSA test simply order online at LabSafe or visit our website at http://www.labsafe.com/

For more information, or to speak with a member of our professional Medical Staff, call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS.