Many providers offer a way to get your health questions answered, whether you are looking for information about your genetic makeup or want to undergo a disease-specific screening.You can become more aware of your health through direct access testing.You can conduct lab tests without a doctor's supervision through a number of online and in-person services.
Step 1: Local regulations should be checked.
Direct access testing services are still restricted in some places.You can find out if DAT is offered in your area through an online search.
Step 2: Determine which test you want to take.
Consider what questions you would like answered and what aspects of your health you want to screen for.There are many companies that offer different types of screening.The option to create a personalized portfolio of tests is offered by some services.23andMe, Color Genomics, Gene by Gene, and MapMyGenome are examples of genomic screening services.Some hospitals and walk-in clinics offer an array of tests, from cholesterol andglucose assessments to pregnancy tests and hormone screenings.
Step 3: You need to get your testing kit.
Some kits can be ordered online or over the phone and will be shipped directly to you.There are other tests that can be obtained at the center.You can complete your test on the spot if you don't need an appointment.Other web-based services will require you to create an account and complete a questionnaire before providing you with a prescription.You should check with your lab or service provider to find out where to get your testing kit.Most cases, minors will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Step 4: Follow the instructions.
Depending on the instructions in your kit, you may be required to fast, eat, or drink water.It will explain how certain medications will affect your test results, and whether you should consume or avoid them.If you have a testing kit, fill out forms and questionnaires.Call the lab or speak with your doctor if you have questions about how to prepare for your test.
Step 5: If applicable, you can collect your sample at home.
Hair, saliva, urine, and stool samples may be collected at home for some tests.Your kit will give you a container for you to place the sample in.Once it is sealed, package the sample and any required paperwork and send it back to the lab.If you follow the instructions in your testing kit, you will be able to extract your sample in the correct way.
Step 6: Provide your sample to a testing center.
The closest testing center can be found through your service provider.It could be a lab in a hospital or a pharmacy.A lab technician will help you with your test.They can draw blood, collect another bodily fluid, or take a saliva sample.You should bring all the necessary paperwork with you.You might need to visit multiple locations to get all of the required samples if you ordered an array of tests from the same provider.The American Society for Clinical Pathology recommends visiting a test administration center.
Step 7: Wait for your results.
Do you know how long you will have to wait for your results?You may be able to see results immediately if you visited a DAT center.The results of an at- home test will be sent to you within a couple weeks.Your test results will be sent back by some service providers.
Step 8: Take a moment to review your results.
All of the information gathered from the test will be included in your test results.The results are presented in an easy to understand way.Don't worry if your test results are unclear.Discuss the results with your doctor, who can review them with knowledge of your health history.
Step 9: Follow-up treatment should be decided.
A discussion of possible next steps can be included in your test results.If the results show that you have a disease or illness, you will be advised to see your doctor or take a medication.If the results show that a change in diet or lifestyle is beneficial, you can try to implement it.Discuss your test results and treatment options with your doctor, according to the ASCP.