Self-testing for HIV is quick and easy. Learn more about your options when it comes to at-home HIV tests and find out what to expect before you choose. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects around 1.2 million people in the United States. Medications are available to help control the virus and better ensure a long, healthy life. But to get
MS vs. Ankylosing Spondylitis: What Are the Differences?
MS and ankylosing spondylitis are both chronic autoimmune diseases that differ greatly in symptoms and treatment. Learn more about their differences. Despite both being autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are unrelated conditions. They rarely coexist, and they differ significantly in symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.In MS, the immune system attacks nerve
The HIV RNA test is a nucleic acid test that detects the genetic material of viruses in blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Learn when it's used in HIV testing. An HIV RNA test, also called a viral load test, is used to determine if a person has recently contracted the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), to confirm a result from another HIV test, or to determine how much of the virus is in a person with a
Multiple sclerosis can be challenging to diagnose. Blood tests are used by doctors so they can rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system begins attacking and damaging the central nervous system (CNS). In MS, the immune system targets myelin, the sheath that protects nerve fibers. The myelin damage
Laboratory tests such as routine blood work could be helpful when diagnosing lung cancer and detecting cancer in its early stages. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths for people of any sex in the United States, causing more deaths than breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer combined. Unfortunately, lung cancer is often diagnosed in the later stages
Cologuard is an at-home test that screens for colon cancer. It isn’t 100% accurate, though, meaning you still may need a colonoscopy. Learn why. Colon cancer, sometimes called colorectal cancer, is the third most common cause of cancer death among people of any sex. Fortunately, it can be detected and prevented with early screening methods, which you can start at age 45.The preferred method
Alternatives to Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Screening
There are numerous ways to test for colorectal cancer. If you want to avoid a colonoscopy, here are some alternative screening options. Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is frequently referred to as colon cancer. Screening for colon cancer is done before a person develops symptoms.Regular screenings can detect colon cancer early,
An at-home syphilis test is a discreet option if you believe you are at risk. We reviewed and compared the best tests based on cost, time for results, availability, accuracy, and more.