Medical Lab Testing Dallas, TX

Thrombocytopenia, what is that you ask? Its the condition known as low platelet count. What are platelets, they are blood cells that help your blood clot when you are bleeding. This means that platelets cause clumps to form in the blood vessels to stop bleeding.

Some of the signs or symptoms are easy bruising,bleeding into the skin that appears as it may be a rash, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and blood in urine or stools.

The causes of thrombocytopenia is usually marked by an underlying problem. Such problems are leukemia and some anemias may cause your overall platelet count to be low. Also ITP, could be a factor. This is where your immune system mistakenly attacks the platelets. Blood poisoning is another cause of this condition. As well as Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, these are autoimmune disorders that could destroy platelets as well.

You should see a doctor when you have abnormal bleeding or bruising. Also if you develop a rash of pin point sized spots on your body.

The tests for this disease are a blood test or a more extensive test called a bone marrow. They go in and pull a piece of bone and send it off to see where the platelets are going and to see if you are making enough of them.

Treatment of this disease vary, and here are a few of the solutions. They include the useof medications, but in the rare case that those dont work. then they remove the spleen.This is done of the meds dont respond or it gets worse. There is also the procedure of plasma transfusions. This is only done in the most severest of cases that have lost a great deal of blood.

In cases that your platelets are too low, they will ask that you stop taking any aspirins that you are taking. They will ask that you stay away from contact sports, this is done to reduce the risk of injury and or bleeding.

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Now this is not going to be about the disease and how it affects the person who is dealing with it. Rather it is going to be seen from the family and friend’s perspective.

When a loved one is diagnosed with this disease, it is devastating to hear those words and know that someone close to you is the biggest fight of their lives. I recently worked for an oncologist, this is a physician whose specialty is cancer. While working there you become attached to pts, like they are family. This is about my struggle with one special pts fight with this deadly battle.

Medical Lab Testing

In the summer of 2007, my best friend was killed in a horrible accident. I did my best go through the motions at work, but Ms. Maudie saw through the mask of deception and she knew something was wrong. When I explained to her what happened, she forgot about the pain that she was in and her maternal instincts took over. She helped me find answers, and not to question why God took him and focused on the things he did with his life. She gave me sense of direction after that tragedy. She became like a second mother to me, she always was checking in on me after that to see how things were going. She never complained about anything, she took all of the downfalls with the cancer in stride.

Even when she went into the hospital on several different occassions because she was having problems breathing, she was always asking her daughter who worked with me how I was doing. I have never seen someone be so strong when facing a battle like this. Most of the pts at one point or another give up. She never did, it hurt me like hell to go and see her in that hospital bed. I can remember times when we had to wheel in her into the office on a wheel chair because she didnt have the strength to walk.

The treatments began to take a bigger toll on her than what I was prepared for. There were days when she was so sick that she wouldnt get out of bed. We would have to carry her to the restroom, and have her daughter take over from there.We would have to go and eat with her at times to make sure that she did eat.

Now a couple of months ago we finally got her to agree to the surgery which could possibly have saved her life. It took some fighting because she was so determined to beat this disease on her own. We tried in vain for months to get her to see that she needed the surgery. Now after finally agreeing to it, I get the news today that she was given 4-6 months to live.This is a huge blow to me and the daughter because for the last 3 yrs she was always just a phone call away. Now I have to deal with the possibility that she could be gone in just a few months.

This story is designed to get those of you out there who are going through the same thing, to not wait until the last minute to try all of the medically possible scenarios. Had we gotten her to do the surgery when the doctor recommended it, who knows what we would be dealing with now. There is no guarantee that surgery would have cured her, but by it could have prolonged her life longer than what is being expected now. Like I said I pray that this helps any of you who are going through this to use every venue possible. Remember its not just your fight but that of those closest to you as well.

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Cancer

This is one of the scariest words a doctor can ever say to you or a loved one. When you first get the news, always get a second opinion. When and if its confirmed, always begin getting yourself aclimated with all of the knowledge that you can about your kind of cancer. There are just so many different ones that they all dont react the and they dont get treated the same.

Here are some of the most common cancers. They are breast,lung,colon,prostate, rectum, skin, ovarian, and pancreatic. Now the detection for these can be as follows. Always get regular check ups, its best to catch cancer early if possible. Men, check your testicles for lumps, pain, swelling or tenderness that is new or unusual. Women, check you breasts for lumps, swelling or tenderness as well. Women should also begin Pap Smears when they turn 18 or become sexually active. Have yearly mammograms, as well as checking yourself in between check ups. Men, are recommended that after 40 you should get prostate exams regularily. With skin cancer just keep an eye on warts or moles that change color or become sensitive to the touch. As always have them check out with your physician if yo notice a change. Possible signs of cancer could be as follows.Changes in your bowel or bladder movements, a sore that doesnt heal, unusual bleeding, lump in the breast, and or a difficulty swallowing or a persistent couch that wont go away. These are signs that you need to go and see your doctor. Now for treatments options. They are chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy. Now some people are participating in studies and this is helping benefit the cancer research.Now before starting any treatment its best to get a second opinion.

When you are getting ready for your initail treatment, always do your homework so you can go in with questions to ask the doctor. This also helps you be better prepared so you are not caught in a state of shock when they explain to you how things are going to proceed from that point. When receiving treatment keep in mind that the treatment doesnt treat everyone the same. Depending on how long and how much of the treatment will also determine how you react to it.Just know that during treatment there is a team that monitors your treatment. That way if there is a problem it can be handled right away. Some of the side effects are that you are tired for longer than normal periods. You have no appetite, you dont want to get out of bed. You just feel run down all the time, which is normal because the treatment is desgined to kill off the cancer cells. So in turn you are getting better but also being sick for a while.You can also lose your hair, be nauseated and could possibly have mouth sores. If you experience any if this during treatment ask your doctor how you are able to combat some of it.One of the most important things during treatment is the ability to eat, by eating you can get your energy back and start to improve the way you feel as well. Never be afraid to ask for help. You are not the only one going through this, even though at time it feels like. Remember there are groups out there that can help you as far as suppport and financial aid, as well as other needs.  The biggest thing to remember here is that always check yourself or get check ups regularly and that diagnosis isnt the end of the world. We have come a long way in research, also early detection is always great as well. Never give up on yourself and we wont stop working for a cure.

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Blood clots, its a scary word, you dont know what it means. Hearing these words can be very devastating, you think of a clog in the sink. You realize that it cuts off the water supply. A blood clot, is basically the same thing, just in your body and can be a lot worse than you may realize.

Blood Clots

The early signs of a possible blood clot are swelling in the area, being warm, red and or painful to the touch.Other signs are the tissue may be white, or cool, and may also have a loss of sensation and or movement.You may also be in considerable amount of pain as well.

The complications that go along with clots can be very serious. They could lead to heart attack and possible stroke.Another problem could be that the clot could break off and then begin to move around the body.If this happens, you could lose use of the limb or could have problems with the lungs per say.

For the first year or so, you would have to have a test called PT test. What this measures is the thickness of the blood. Its a simple test, most offices just prick the end of the finger and get the sample that way. In the beginning the tests for this disorder can be very extensive. It can be a little scary because there are several tests that need to be run to determine the severity if any of the issues with the blood flow. Another test is called a bleeding time, basically this test involves maing a small incision in the fore arm and then timing how long it takes you to stop bleeding. This test takes the longest because you are sitting there anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
 
By not smoking, keeping your cholesterol low, keeping your blood pressure under control, this could prevent blood clots from forming. Now this is no gaurantee, but its a beginning.The are other things that could be done as well. The doctor could put you on a blood thinning medication. If this is the case follow the instructions as directed. Remember blood clots is a blood disorder that can be cured. It can be life threatening, but it’s also something that can be controlled.

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Onsite Drug Screening

There are many reasons you may want to screen your employees for drug abuse.  Although some small businesses drug test only to lower their insurance premiums it is a good idea and very cost-effective to drug test any employee who handles money, interacts with customers or works with heavy equipment.

First let me introduce myself.  My name is Greg Johnson and I own Any Lab Test Now® locations in North Dallas.  Apart from DNA and medical lab tests we also perform on site drug screens for employers all over the North Texas and Oklahoma region. 

If you stumbled upon this blog then chances are you are researching mobile drug screening for your business.  Your first question will either be “can you do this…” or “how much do you charge” so I will address these two questions first.

“How much do you charge for onsite drug screening?”

We start at $39 per drug screen for employers testing 5 or more people.  There is no travel charge, collection fee or additional fees.  If you are testing about 25 people we charge $29 per drug screen. 

“Can you do [insert question here]?”

Yes we can.  I have received all sorts of questions and special instructions from employers from time to time.  I can perform an onsite drug screen anywhere in North Texas/Oklahoma in practically any situation.  One employer asked us to meet five of their truck drivers at a mile marker outside Denton on highway 380 between 2am and 5am in the morning and perform a DOT drug screen.

“What mobile employer drug screens are available?”

We perform either a 5-panel or 10-panel rapid drug screen.  The difference in the panels is that the 10-panel includes prescription meds.  Most employers find the 5-panel drug screens fit their needs.  There is no difference in cost between the two panels.

“How soon will I know the results of a mobile drug screen?

We can provide the employer with negative and non-negative results within 5 minutes of collection.  Employers wanting confirmation can have all non-negatives sent to the lab and results are usually ready within 24-48hrs.

We also are asked favors by employees from time to time; however, I assure you that we work for the employer.  All our collectors are certified in DOT collections and unless asked by the employer otherwise we use that standard for every single collection to ensure accuracy.  Most often, employers are not only drug testing their employees for piece of mind, but also to lower liability.  Performing each and every onsite drug test to this standard creates fool proof evidence should a legal matter arise.

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PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests that test for the risk of prostate cancer in men are sensitive to many outside factors that can affect the results. Unfortunately, many physicians do not inform their patients of this fact. This may cause one to need several tests performed to get accurate results.

Get a PSA Test

Several factors may elevate the results of a PSA test. The higher the level, the more likely cancer is present. A result with high levels due to some other outside factor could cause a false positive result and a lot of unnecessary stress and fear. Many things can cause an elevated PSA level that should not be cause for concern. For example, age alone can cause a rise in levels. As a man ages, his PSA levels rise as well. Also, men should abstain from sex at least two days before being tested. Studies show that ejaculation within this period before a PSA test may increase PSA levels in the blood. Stimulation of the prostate from something such as a bike ride may also elevate the levels. Infections of the prostate that may produce no symptoms may also lead to elevated PSA levels. Also, a man with a larger than average prostate may get results with higher levels even if his prostate is healthy due to the fact that larger prostates produce more PSA in the blood.

On the other hand, some factors can artificially lower the PSA levels. This could lead a patient to believe they have no risk when in fact, they may have higher levels than the results show. Many medications can lower PSA levels in the blood. For example, over the counter herbal remedies such as saw palmetto can reduce levels by as much as 50%. Also, men who regularly use aspirin or other painkillers have levels 10% lower than those who do not.

One should always keep in mind that there is no “normal” number for PSA test results. Many different factors should be taken into account. Also, it is important to realize that one abnormal PSA test result does not necessarily mean one has cancer. It is important to be tested on a routine basis to watch the levels for fluctuations. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that all men, beginning at age 50 and those at an increased risk of prostate cancer have a PSA test performed annually.

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It is really amazing what advances we are making in science.  I read the other day that some scientists came up with a device used for early detection of lung cancer.  It seems that individuals with lung cancer excrete certain molecules in their breath that healthy individuals do not.  Detect these molecules and you got lung cancer.

I feel this deserves more attention than the news organizations are giving.  This is HUGE.  Early detection is the key to survival during a battle with lung cancer.  Chances are, each person reading this has known someone who has died from lung cancer.  It seems that molecule detection is too easy to get notoriety.  I wonder if the early detection of lung cancer involved stem cells in some way would it would get more media attention. 

I would like to note that scientists have isolated these identifying molecules with many forms of cancer.  They have also linked the presence of cancer to mutations of a particular piece of our DNA.  These molecules and bits of DNA are referred to as tumor markers.  Although it can be pricy ($699-$899) you can visit your local “Any Lab Test Now®” and get an entire tumor marker panel. 

The female version includes a breast tumor screen.  This test looks for a snippet of DNA that has been linked to breast cancer.  Having this marker does not mean you have breast cancer.  All it means is that having this snippet of DNA puts you in the high risk category.  This can be analogous to fair skinned people having an increased risk of skin cancer. 

You may ask yourself why get a test that isn’t definitive.  The reason is early detection of cancer.  If you have fair skin you will probably make more frequent visits to a dermatologist.  This is similar.  Knowing your DNA gives you an increased chance of getting breast cancer would encourage you to get checked more frequently and thereby creating the opportunity for early detection of breast cancer.

One of the tumor markers for men is our PSA.  There having many medical studies that suggest a high value on a PSA test greatly increases your chance of prostate cancer.  It only costs $49 if taken by itself at an Any Lab Test Now® location and monitoring your PSA can save your life. 

The fact that this early detection breathalyzer isn’t getting as much media follows in line with most individuals thought process.  People tend to stick their head in the sand and think it won’t happen to them.  Their lives are a constant rollercoaster and they are concerned more about their current hill and would rather handle the big loop coming up when they have no other choice.  Sadly, this mentality is a death sentence with cancer.

If you have a family history of cancer or illness it is your responsibility to monitor your health.  You owe it to your family and friends.

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