Kidney Health Month: Understanding eGFR, Creatinine, and Urinalysis

Kidneys are small (about fist-sized) but mighty. They filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, help balance electrolytes, and play a key role in overall health. When kidneys aren’t working well, waste can build up and fluid levels can shift—sometimes long before you feel obvious symptoms.

Kidney Health Month is the perfect time to get familiar with a few common lab markers you’ll often see on kidney-related results: creatinine, eGFR, and urinalysis. The good news? You can take a proactive approach with direct-access testing at Any Lab Test Now®—doctor’s order is included.

1) Creatinine: The “Starting Point” for Kidney Filtration

Creatinine is a waste product your body makes from normal muscle activity. Healthy kidneys remove creatinine from the blood, so when kidney function slows down, creatinine can rise.

  • Why it matters:
    • Creatinine is one of the most common ways to check how well your kidneys are filtering. It’s also a key value used to calculate eGFR (more on that next).
  • Available at Any Lab Test Now® (kidney-focused options):
    • Renal Function Panel – a comprehensive way to monitor kidney health (includes kidney-related markers and is designed to evaluate renal function)

2) eGFR: An Estimate of Kidney Filtration

eGFR stands for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. In plain terms: it’s an estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering blood. eGFR is typically calculated using your creatinine result along with factors such as age (and other demographic inputs depending on the method).

  • Why it matters:
    • eGFR can help flag reduced kidney function early—especially when you feel “fine” but your kidneys may be under strain.
  • A quick reminder:
    • eGFR is an estimate—so results should be viewed in context and followed up with a healthcare provider when values are out of range or trending down.

3) Urinalysis: A Simple Urine Test With a Lot to Say

A urinalysis checks your urine for a variety of clues—such as hydration status and indicators that may suggest kidney stress or urinary tract issues.

  • Why it matters for kidney health:
    • Urine can reveal early “signals,” including findings that may be associated with kidney concerns—sometimes before changes show up in bloodwork.
  • Available at Any Lab Test Now®:
    • Urinalysis– checks for albumin/protein as a kidney health indicator

The Easiest Way to Start: Renal Function Panel

If you want a strong starting point for Kidney Health Month, Any Lab Test Now® offers a Renal Function Panel designed to evaluate kidney function and monitor key body systems connected to the kidneys (like minerals, electrolytes, proteins, glucose, and waste products).

This kind of panel is ideal if you are:

  • Managing ongoing wellness goals
  • Monitoring results over time
  • Looking to be proactive (especially if kidney disease runs in your family)

Consider testing if you:

  • Want a baseline as part of a wellness routine
  • Have a personal or family history of kidney issues
  • Are managing diabetes or other metabolic health concerns
  • Simply want more clarity on your numbers (without the hassle of a doctor visit first)

Take Control Of Your Health!

Kidney Health Month is a great reminder that small, proactive steps can make a big difference. With Any Lab Test Now®, you can walk in, get tested, and get clear results—with a doctor’s order included.

Visit our website to explore kidney-related testing options and pricing. Take Control Of Your Health!

Winter Blues or Something Else? Vitamin and Hormone Testing for Mood Support

When the days get shorter and routines shift, it’s common to feel more tired, unmotivated, or “off.” Sometimes that’s the winter blues—but sometimes mood changes are connected to underlying imbalances like low vitamin levels or hormone shifts. The good news: you don’t have to guess. With direct-access testing at Any Lab Test Now®, you can check key markers that may impact energy, focus, and mood.

Below are testing options available at Any Lab Test Now that people commonly consider for mood support.

When Mood Changes Might Be More Than “Just Winter”

If you’re noticing symptoms that stick around or affect daily life—like low energy, brain fog, poor sleep, irritability, or changes in appetite—it may be worth looking at what’s happening internally.

Lab testing can’t diagnose mental health conditions on its own, but it can uncover vitamin or hormone-related issues that may contribute to how you feel.

Vitamin Testing Options for Mood & Energy Support

Basic Nutritional Panel

If you’re not sure where to start, the Basic Nutritional Panel is a strong foundation. It includes a broad mix of nutrients and health markers often tied to fatigue and overall wellness, including:

  • Vitamin B12
  • Folate
  • Vitamin D
  • Ferritin (iron storage)
  • Iron + Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
  • CBC (Complete Blood Count)
  • CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
  • Plus additional nutrients like Vitamin C, Zinc, CoQ10, and Homocysteine

This panel can be especially helpful if you’re feeling run-down and want a wider view of what may be going on.

Vitamin D Test

Vitamin D is commonly discussed during winter months because many people get less sun exposure. Any Lab Test Now® offers a Vitamin D Test as a standalone option.

Hormone Testing Options That Can Impact Mood

Thyroid Testing: Basic Thyroid Panel

Your thyroid helps regulate metabolism and energy—so when it’s out of balance, it can affect how you feel day to day. Any Lab Test Now® offers a Basic Thyroid Panel that includes:

  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
  • Total T4
  • T3 Uptake

Reproductive & Sex Hormones (Individual Tests)

Hormone shifts can influence mood, sleep, and energy in both women and men. Any Lab Test Now® offers individual hormone tests including:

If you’re looking for broader context beyond a single hormone, the Comprehensive Male Wellness Panel includes Testosterone (Free and Total) and TSH, along with additional wellness markers like CBC, metabolic panel, lipids, and more.

What to Expect at Any Lab Test Now®

  • No insurance required (and many people choose testing for convenience)
  • Doctor’s order provided on tests offered
  • A quick, efficient visit (often around 15 minutes) for many services

(Availability can vary by location—your local Any Lab Test Now® can help you choose the best option based on your goals.)

How to Start: Pick a Path That Fits Your Symptoms

If you want a simple way to choose:

Take the Next Step

Ready to stop guessing and start getting answers? Find a location near you, explore transparent pricing, and choose the tests that fit your needs.

Take Control Of Your Health!

Preparing for DNA Testing: What to Expect and How to Start

DNA testing can bring clarity, peace of mind, and answers you can act on—whether you’re planning for a new baby, confirming a family relationship, or learning more about your heritage. If you’re considering DNA testing, here’s a simple guide to what to expect and how to get started using DNA testing options available at Any Lab Test Now®.

Step 1: Choose the Right DNA Test for Your Goal

Before you schedule, take a moment to identify why you’re testing. At Any Lab Test Now®, these are the DNA testing options available:

This option compares DNA between an alleged father and a child (and mother participation is preferred when possible). It’s designed for personal knowledge and peace of mind, but it cannot be used for legal matters like court, child support, or changing a birth certificate.

If you need results for a legal purpose, you’ll want a Legal Paternity Test. This option is intended for situations where documentation and verified collection matter (for example, court-related needs).

3) Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing

Need answers during pregnancy? Any Lab Test Now offers a Non-Invasive Prenatal Legal or Informational Paternity Test (NIPP) with zero risk to the fetus, available as early as 7 weeks into pregnancy. This test uses fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood.

4) Gender Reveal (Early Baby Gender DNA Test)

Want to find out the baby’s gender early? The Gender Reveal test uses a simple blood draw and can be offered as early as 6–7 weeks (with 8 weeks recommended for best results). It’s for single pregnancies only and is over 99% accurate.

5) GPS Origins Ancestry Test

If your goal is learning about your roots, the GPS Origins Ancestry Test provides genetic origin percentages and human migration information in a digital format.

Step 2: Know What Your Appointment Will Look Like

While the sample type can vary by test, here’s what you can generally expect during a DNA testing visit:

  • A private, professional experience
  • Identity verification and paperwork (especially important for legal testing)
  • Sample collection based on the test type (for example, blood draw for prenatal paternity and gender reveal)
  • Clear next steps for receiving results and understanding timelines (your local location can confirm specifics)

Step 3: Prep the Details Ahead of Time (So It’s Faster & Easier)

To help your visit go smoothly, consider the following before you go:

  • Confirm which test you need (legal vs. informational matters most for paternity)
  • Bring a valid photo ID, especially for legal testing
  • Know who will be participating (ex: alleged father, child, mother—if applicable)
  • Call your local Any Lab Test Now location with any questions—each location can walk you through what to bring and what to expect

Step 4: Schedule Your DNA Test

Many locations offer convenient appointment scheduling (and some may accept walk-ins depending on the service and staffing). The best move is to contact your nearest location so they can confirm availability and the correct test for your situation.

Find a location near you and get started, today. Take Control Of Your Health!

American Heart Month: The Lab Tests That Matter for Heart Health

February is American Heart Month—a timely reminder that small, proactive steps can make a big difference for long-term heart health. One of the smartest places to start is with lab work. The right tests can help you understand key risk factors like cholesterol balance, inflammation, blood sugar, and more—often before symptoms show up.

At Any Lab Test Now®, you can walk in (or schedule an appointment) and get many of the most important heart-health labs without needing to visit your doctor first. Here are the heart-related tests that matter most and are offered at Any Lab Test Now.

1) Heart Health Panel (Cardiovascular Risk Snapshot)

If you’re not sure where to start, our Heart Health Panel is designed specifically to assess cardiovascular risk in a more complete way than a basic cholesterol test alone. It includes four key components:

  • Lipoprotein Fractionation
  • Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
  • Homocysteine 

Why it matters: This combination looks at both traditional and “behind-the-scenes” heart risk factors (like inflammation and certain markers linked to vascular health). It’s a practical option for establishing a baseline or flagging potential risk early.

2) Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel (Classic Heart Risk Marker)

Your cholesterol numbers still matter—especially when it comes to long-term risk management. A Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel checks for abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, which can help determine whether you may be at risk for heart disease or coronary illness.

Why it matters: It provides essential numbers like total cholesterol and triglycerides—data many providers use to guide lifestyle changes and next steps.

3) High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (Inflammation & Heart Risk)

hs-CRP is included in our Heart Health Panel and is widely used as an indicator of inflammation, which is an important part of the heart-health conversation.

Why it matters: Even when cholesterol looks “fine,” inflammation can be another piece of the risk puzzle—especially for people focused on prevention.

4) Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) (Organ Function That Supports Heart Health)

The CMP is also part of our Heart Health Panel and looks broadly at things that support overall wellness—like electrolytes and key markers tied to liver and kidney function.

Why it matters: Your heart doesn’t work in isolation. Many systems (kidneys, liver, electrolyte balance) play a role in cardiovascular wellness and how your body responds to stress, diet, and medications.

5) Homocysteine (Additional Cardiovascular Risk Insight)

Homocysteine is another blood marker included in our Heart Health Panel.

Why it matters: It’s often used as part of a more advanced look at cardiovascular risk—especially for people who want more than just “basic” cholesterol numbers.

6) Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (Blood Sugar & Heart Health Go Together)

Heart health isn’t just cholesterol—it’s also metabolic health. The Hemoglobin A1c test measures average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months and can help detect prediabetes, diagnose diabetes, or see if diabetes is under control.

Why it matters: Blood sugar management is a major part of lowering long-term cardiovascular risk.

Your Heart-Health Checklist (Simple Ways to Start)

If you want a practical approach this month, consider this progression:

  1. Start with the Heart Health Panel for a well-rounded baseline.
  2. Add HbA1c if you’re monitoring weight, diet changes, or family history of diabetes.
  3. Re-test periodically to track progress and trends over time.

Take Control of Your Heart Health—On Your Schedule

Busy schedule? No problem. At Any Lab Test Now®, most visits take about 15 minutes, and you can choose from a wide range of tests with transparent pricing—all while getting the doctor’s order included.

Happy Heart Health Month!

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Cancer is a daunting diagnosis that touches many lives, often leading to complex treatment plans, support systems, and an emotional journey of coming to terms with possible outcomes. By definition, cancer involves the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. The multitude of cancer types, affecting any part of the body, contributes to its fearsome reputation. Conversations around this subject are tough, particularly with more specific forms like colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum. Often progressing silently from one stage to the next, it demands increasingly intense and high-risk treatments. Early detection through screening is our strongest asset in combating this disease, and at Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a variety of screening options to assist in early identification.

Understanding Testing Options

Testing Options at Any Lab Test Now: 

  1. Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Test: This non-invasive test detects hemoglobin in the stool, which can be an indicator of colorectal cancer.
  2. Colon Cancer Screening (Blood) Test: This test uses 5 DNA markers to look for the possible presence of colorectal cancer. It involves a simple blood draw and can be performed for all adults, without any age restrictions.

Please note: the Colon Cancer Screen (Blood) Test is not intended to replace a colonoscopy. It is meant to be used as a screening tool for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Based on the results of your test, a colonoscopy may still be recommended. We recommend that you work with a trusted healthcare provider to discuss the colorectal cancer screening options that are best for you.

Each of these tests plays a crucial role in early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, enhancing the ability to address the disease at a treatable stage. Regular screenings are recommended starting at age 45, or earlier for those with heightened risk factors.

According to the CDC, risk factors include:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
  • A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

And lifestyle factors like:

  • Lack of regular physical activity
  • A diet low in fruit and vegetables
  • Poor diet with higher amounts of fats
  • Overweight
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Tobacco use

Colorectal cancer typically affects individuals aged 45 and older, but in recent trends, it increasingly impacts younger populations too. Approximately 150,000 Americans are diagnosed annually, leading to around 50,000 deaths. Its development often occurs with few noticeable symptoms, earning it the moniker, “the silent killer.”

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one the most common types of cancer in men and women. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Routine testing can help prevent or find cancer at an earlier stage when it might be easier to treat. If found early, the five-year survival rate increases by more than 90 percent, meaning many lives could be saved by the awareness that comes with increased testing. 

Testing that Works For You

Remember, at Any Lab Test Now®, we make testing easy for you. You do not need a doctor’s note to get lab testing done. We invite you to walk in for same-day testing during work-friendly hours.

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. But we do encourage you to consult with a provider for further details to make the best decisions about your health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with Dial Care, a service that helps you find a provider licensed in your state.

 

Mid-Year Health Check-In: Stick to Your Goals 

We’re at the halfway point of 2024 – can you believe it? It feels like each year gets faster, as life gets busier. As we prepare to take on the second half of the year, now is a good time to reflect on the first half. Did you meet your goals? What are you most proud of? What can you do better? Many people’s New Year’s resolutions have fizzled by now, and if that’s you, you aren’t alone! According to one survey, of the 38% of Americans who make resolutions, only 9% are successful in keeping them. 

Now, while that can be quite a discouraging number, there are a few reasons why, despite this, it’s considered a good thing to set New Year’s resolutions. Having resolutions sets intention with how you want to grow and develop in the coming year, it sets a tone of hopefulness and optimism, and you can start the year with a fresh sense of responsibility that hopefully flows in the months to come. It’s inherently a positive thing to strive for and has encouraging effects for yourself and those around you. 

Statistically, taking strides in your health is one of the most popular resolutions. A recent survey found that more than half of Americans wanted to be healthier – 59% wanted to exercise more, 54% said they would eat healthier, and 48% resolved to lose weight. Each month, our blog highlights different health topics that may impact your life and provides relevant tests to consider.

Cholesterol (Lipids) Panel 

This month, we want to emphasize the importance of cholesterol testing with our Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel®. The Lipids Panel can determine your cholesterol levels, which is important because this can indicate if you’re at risk for heart disease or any other heart issues. 

According to the CDC, nearly 94 million United States adults, 20 or older, have high cholesterol.

Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries and can cause a heart attack or stroke. 

There are no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to know if you have high cholesterol which is why it’s important to regularly monitor your levels.

With the Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel®, you’ll have your test results between 24 to 72 business hours. It’s recommended you fast before the test to ensure it’s accurate. Once you have your results, we encourage you to talk with your primary physician about the next steps.

Take Back Your Health

The overproduction of cholesterol can come from a variety of reasons. A lot of times, an unhealthy lifestyle is a huge contributor. Some things to keep in mind are:

  • Unhealthy diet
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke 
  • Family history of high cholesterol 

To be 100% sure of your cholesterol status, start with one simple blood test at any of our neighborhood Any Lab Test Now® locations.

Renal Function Panel

Now is a great time to double down on your kidney health. Our Renal Function Panel® is a group of tests used to evaluate kidney function. According to the Mayo Clinic, some signs to look for if you think you’re experiencing kidney issues are:

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Urinating more or less
  • Decreased mental sharpness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Swelling 
  • Dry, itchy skin

The signs and symptoms of kidney issues are often nonspecific and could also be the source of a different issue altogether. However, it’s worth getting tested; simply because the damage from leaving your affected kidneys untreated can be irreversible. 

For this test, fasting for about eight hours prior to the blood draw is preferred. Your results will be ready between 24 to 72 business hours after the test.

Hepatic Function Panel

For this comprehensive panel, the Liver Function Panel®, or Hepatic Function®, measures the blood levels of seven tests that see how well your liver is working.

This test is also encouraged if you’ve been exposed to the hepatitis A, B, or C virus. High or low levels in one of the seven tests may indicate you have liver damage or liver disease is present.

Some general symptoms, according to Healthline, include:

  • Yellow skin (Jaundice)
  • Dark urine
  • Pale, bloody, or tarlike stool
  • Swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Bruise easily
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Itchy skin

Something to keep in mind about this test and the Renal Function Panel is that anyone who is regularly taking medications can potentially benefit from these tests, as they’re typically required as a regular testing for anyone taking medication long-term.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

The perfect test to have performed as a mid-year checkup is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel®. This includes 15 essential tests that are typically part of a routine checkup or annual physical. It gives your doctor an overall picture of your health. 

Annual Check-Up Panel

If you want to take it a step further, we recommend the Annual Check-Up Panel. It includes the Lipid Panel and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel(CMP) mentioned above, as well as a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Resource for Improved Health

Any Lab Test Now® provides thousands of tests available to you as our commitment to being your partner in health. We are here to help you and your family achieve your health and wellness goals. You can walk in for same-day testing during convenient work-friendly hours or call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Spring Allergies: Take Action With Lab Testing!

A sniffle here, a sneeze there. Our first thought is, “Uh-oh, I’m coming down with something.” But did you ever stop to consider what ails you may not be an illness at all, but an allergy?

Spring is the time of year when we all want to get outside and enjoy the mild temperatures and the beauty of the blossoming plants and trees. If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer, you don’t need a calendar to tell you when winter is over; your nose probably will. If you can’t stop and smell the roses because you’re too busy sneezing and sniffling, then it’s probably time you switch up your wellness routine. Luckily,  Any Lab Test Now® is here to help with information on how to ease your allergy suffering.

Did you know?

  • About one quarter (25.7%) of adults and Nearly 1 in 5 children (18.9%) have a seasonal allergy 1
  • 4.1 million physician office visits with allergic rhinitis as the primary diagnosis 2
  • Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S 3

Allergy Symptoms and Sources

The main source of allergies is pollen, which is a powdery substance produced by flowers and commonly found in trees, weeds, and grasses. If you have seasonal allergies, your body mistakes this harmless substance for something dangerous and tries to attack it.  An allergic reaction to pollen can cause symptoms like coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Seasonal allergies can be most serious when they impact your ability to sleep, contributing to a loss of productivity, so attending to the symptoms is important. One of the best ways to mitigate seasonal allergies is to add a quarterly allergy test to your wellness routine. Save yourself time and money using lab tests to pinpoint exactly what’s triggering your symptoms. The simplest way to do that is by taking advantage of the wide range of allergy testing we offer.

Pollen is not the season’s only trigger. With spring rains, there is more mold growth inside and outside your home. And spring cleaning will stir up dust mites throughout the house as well.

Here is a rundown of the top allergy-producing sources and when they cause the most issues:

  • Tree pollen typically appears in spring
  • Grasses shed pollen in late spring and summer
  • Mold spores often cause seasonal allergies during the spring, summer, and fall

The Allergy “Uglies”

Allergies can make you feel miserable. The symptoms may leave you feeling extremely sluggish and fatigued, which can impact other areas of your life, such as work or family time.  You can also experience the allergy “uglies,” which include puffy, saggy eyelids, watery eyes, and a red, runny nose. 

If we took a peek inside your medicine cabinet, what would it look like? If you are like a lot of people, your cabinet would be a jumble of allergy medicines, decongestants, and cough suppressants, with a few stray pain relievers and fever reducers rolling around. At Any Lab Test Now, we want to help you take control of your seasonal allergies by helping you identify your triggers with direct-access lab testing. The “ugly truth” is that without the right information, you are more likely to self-misdiagnose and purchase the wrong types of medications. Buying various remedies and medications isn’t cheap, and the cost can quickly add up. When your symptoms strike, will you be prepared?

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Allergens

Before you settle for plastic flowers, fake grass, or hiding indoors, there are some simple strategies to keep springtime allergies under control.

  • Keep your windows closed
  • Keep the grass cut short and avoid gardening chores that may stir up allergens
  • Quarterly allergy testing
  • Remove clothes you have worn outside and shower to rid pollen from your skin and hair
  • Brush off your pets after they have been outside to prevent allergens from coming inside with them
  • Check your local TV weather forecast for information on current pollen levels

An Ounce of Prevention is a Worth a Pound of Cure

Most doctors would agree that the first step in winning your battle against seasonal allergies is to know your triggers, and that’s where your local Any Lab Test Now can help. We offer a wide range of allergy testing that will help you fight back when it seems like your body is in revolt!

Any Lab Test Now® can help you determine the source of your springtime sniffles. Check out our wide range of allergy testing by clicking here. You can make an appointment or just walk into any one of our locations where a qualified medical assistant will perform a simple blood draw. There is no cure for allergies, but they can be managed. The next step is to discuss the results of your allergy test with your doctor so you can stop and smell the springtime flowers without sneezing!

Click here to find your local Any Lab Test Now®.

  1. CDC/National Center for Health Statistics (2023) ↩︎
  2. National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2019) ↩︎
  3. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (2018) ↩︎

What’s Your Cellular Age?

JUL newsletter SMALL telomeresAs much as we’d all like to flee from aging, it is inevitable. Just as your car or a favorite clothing item will wear out over time, so too does the human body. Of course, the rate at which aging happens is different for each person and is based on a number of factors such as genetics, diet, exercise and stress.

On a cellular level, however, the rate of aging is measurable. Measurement is possible because of the telomeres that are connected to the end of your cells. Every time cells divide, the length of the telomere becomes shortened. The shorter the telomere is, the more times that particular cell has been copied. Over time, the telomere becomes so short that the cell no longer reproduces and is “retired”. This shortening of the telomere is known as cellular aging.

Through the use of a telomere test, labs are able to measure the length of the telomere in one’s body. This measurement is then compared to the expected length of telomeres in those of a similar age bracket, which helps determine overall cellular age.

While cell division and its subsequent retirement are natural processes, there are ways in which one can slow the process down. Among these are:

  • Minimizing consumption of processed, surgery or fatty foods.
  • Reducing body fat to 22 percent for women and 16 percent for men.
  • Exercising for at least an hour a day.
  • Reducing stress.
  • Quitting smoking and other tobacco consumption.
  • Sleeping eight hours a night.
  • Increasing consumption of raw fruits and vegetables, Omega-3 fatty acids, vegetable protein, cold-water fish and fiber.
  • Evaluating the need for nutritional supplements.

Next time you worry about getting older, consider monitoring the rate at which your cells age. With monitoring, you will be better able to make the lifestyle choices that are necessary to slow cellular aging, and potentially the onset of age-related diseases. Walk-in to Any Lab Test Now to ask for your Telomere Test today.

School is Back – Take Back Your Health

It’s that time of year–kids from preschool through college are heading back to school. This means it’s the perfect opportunity to do a re-set and focus on the family’s health, coinciding with National Health Center Week (August 9-15). What you may not realize is that Any Lab Test Now® is a “health center” giving you direct access to thousands of beneficial lab tests to ensure wellness.  

A wide-angle view of a group of three male students who are also friends moving into their new student accommodation. They are chatting with each other and carrying their belongings through the corridor.
Useful Lab Tests For Concerned Parents

As your children head back to school, there are any number of lab tests you can utilize. Any Lab Test Now® is a family health center, we provide many lab tests to check a number of health concerns. Perhaps you’re unsettled, wondering if your son or daughter picked up bad habits over the summer—research shows more than 3,000 teens try marijuana for the first time every day.  

Parents who are worried their child could use or abuse drugs either in high school or while away at college can easily have their son or daughter tested.  Any Lab Test Now® does drug testing, no appointment necessary.  

For example, we may utilize a screening called a Blood 5-Panel Drug Test to determine the presence or absence of 5 types of drugs or their metabolites in the bloodstream. This blood drug test checks for the presence of 5 drug metabolites including:

  1. Amphetamine/Methamphetamines
  2. Marijuana
  3. Cocaine
  4. Opiates
  5. Phencyclidine

Any Lab Test Now® can also conduct tests to see if someone has been vaping, a habit that the Surgeon General has declared an epidemic among youth. The choices parents have for Nicotine tests available at Any Lab Test Now® include: The girl smokes an electronic cigarette on the street.

  • Urine Test:
    A  Good choice if a parent suspects the child has used nicotine over the last few days. An instant test is available, and parents can get results within five to ten minutes.
  • Hair Follicle Test:
    A good option for parents who think their child has been either vaping or smoking nicotine for a long time, and the child might stop using just to get through the test. It takes 3 days for nicotine to start showing in hair strands.
     
  • Blood Test:
     A simple blood draw can detect traces of nicotine about 2 hours after use.


Testing at Any Lab Test Now® is confidential. No one has access to results but parents. You own the results and you can even use an anonymous name to protect your child. Most importantly, the results give parents and other loved ones’ answers so they can take next steps if needed. 

You can’t put a price tag on peace of mind. Since thousands of kids are going off to college for the first time, it might not hurt to get basic testing done to make you as a parent know that you’ve done all you can to protect your child. 


Vaccine Immunity Check

Whether you have a young child going to daycare, preschool, grade school, high school, or college, there is one constant—making sure your child is current on vaccinations protecting them with everything from measles to chickenpox. Most states have laws requiring certain immunizations for school-aged children. 

Problem is, immunization records can get lost and often be difficult to track down, especially if you’ve moved over the years. Any Lab Test Now® can help. We can do a simple blood test called the MMR Titer that checks if you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella by measuring your antibody levels, thus determining if your immunization is up-to-date. The results demonstrate whether or not your immune system has the capability to respond to an infection from one of the viruses.

Take Back Mom’s Health

Knowing the kids are taken care of is a sense of relief for parents. Especially for moms, it’s been a busy summer, running non-stop, taking the kids to swim practice, soccer camp, or a friend’s house, and now getting ready for school can be exhausting and stressful.  Any Lab Test Now® can run a Cortisol Test to see how much daily life stressors have been affecting mom’s overall health.  

Taking Charge of Your Health

Taking these proactive measures helps you advocate for your family’s health. It puts you in the driver’s seat. Blood work, after all, can provide many much-needed answers about our health. This trend is called healthcare consumerism. It’s all about giving people the tools and control to live their best, healthiest lives.  Take the control to say; I need this test done whether or not my insurance company will pay for it. 

If you are ready to check your family’s health as you head back to school, Any Lab Test Now® is the health center you’ve been looking for. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you to take back your health.

 

Two best friends are furnishing their new apartment together

Making Mental Health a Priority for the Month of May

“April showers bring May flowers” is the saying we were taught to help us learn our months. It was helpful because you’d prepare yourself for the rain showers of April, only to be greeted by the warmth of the sun in May. However, as we age, it becomes more and more obvious some showers aren’t confined to the month of April. In fact, many times, a “shower” isn’t one you can prepare for or watch from the window of your home. For some people, it’s inside and constantly raging, consuming many parts of daily life.

This year, Any Lab Test Now® has made one of our main themes “self-care.” We understand how important it is to take care of your mental health, just as you would a broken bone or a disease. Mental health medication can be difficult to prescribe, as there are many different types of mental health illnesses. May is home to National Mental Health Awareness month, which is meant to educate and advocate for policies and practices that support people with mental illness in themselves and their families. 

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • At some point in their lives, 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder.
  • One in five Americans will experience mental illness in a year. 
  • One in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

The causes of mental illness can be vast, and many times, it can range from just a side effect from day-to-day life, or it can manifest from a traumatic event. Some common causes are:

  • Genetics, such as a family history of mental illness
  • Traumatic experiences or history of abuse
  • Chronic medical conditions like cancer or diabetes
  • Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
  • Excessive drug and alcohol use
  • Feelings of loneliness or isolation

Protecting your mental health should be a priority as it can cause deeper physical issues later on in life. For example, depression increases the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It’s proven to be quite difficult to get ahead of treating mental illness, but it’s proven advantageous to people to take preventative safety measures to see if you’re more at risk for the debilitating illnesses. 

Before taking the plunge into finding the right mental health medication for you, Any Lab Test Now® is now offering the Mental Health PGX Panel. This panel is a big step in putting science behind mental health medication. The panel analyzes 13 different genes with a simple blood draw.

Genetic testing for mental illnesses has benefits, whether the results are positive or negative. As with any other test, your individual results can provide relief from uncertainty and help you make informed decisions about your health care. The Mental Health PGX Panel is a relatively easy test to take, with no prior need to fast. The test typically takes five to seven business days for you to be informed of your results. 

Once you receive your results, we encourage you to talk with your primary provider about any mental health medication you may need. However, taking the first step to managing your mental health should be as painless as possible. Any Lab Test Now® offers you a way to receive a comprehensive test on your mental health so you can 2live your life; uninterrupted.

As many adults experience mental illness in some capacity, it’s vital to commit to getting tested to ensure you can make knowledgeable choices about your future. That includes the big decisions a diagnosis could impact, like marriage, kids, travel, and more. It’s important to remember that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, meaning getting tested is a step in the right direction and a step towards living a healthier lifestyle.

Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you to Take Control of Your Health® today.