Hannah, I can partially answer your question... as I work in healthcare and have had personal experiences LOL!

Most doctors here in the US will order tests/labs only IF a disease state has been reached. The exception is for certain preventative measures, but this is highly dictated by what insurances are willing to pay for, based on clinical practice guidelines, published studies, clinical evidence, etc. I have never found any doctor who was willing to write an order for the AA/EPA test, nor the fasting insulin test. So, if I am still interested in having these tests done without a doctor's order, I have to pay for them.

Now, maybe in other areas of the country, this is changing, maybe some doctors are more progressive than others, but it seems as though many follow this "cookbook" mentality regarding preventative care. Healthcare in the US is focused more on treating illness than it is on maintaining health.

Specialists are another issue... you really just have to find the one that subscribes to your point of view. Hard to find, though!

Cranberrycat, for clarification sake, you will still need a doctor's order for your Zone Labs' AA/EPA test, unless something has changed. Tech, want to help me out here?

I don't know about the one offered here, but I have seen other companys who offered testing, in which a doctor's order was not necessary. But, it depends on what state you live in. Seems like there are a few states out east that will NOT do the test without a doctor's order.

I thought doctor orders were required by law (FDA) for licensed labs performing blood testing, not just by certain states in the eastern US. Again, maybe Tech can fill us in.

But where is the test done? I don't mind paying for it, I just want to find somewhere that will do it for me....
But I wouldn't have thought that it's normal to send your blood half across the globe for a test.... or is it?
Maybe the blood would get damaged in transit.....

A doctor's order is required if insurance coverage is anticipated. No test will be covered by any insurance without a doctor's order.

Each entity can make it their own policy to do a specific test with or without an order. Most health care facilities will require an order. However, there are tons of free-standing "screening" centers that will do tests independently with a patient's consent, and no order from the PCP. I imagine that they DO have a medical director who oversees the facilities' operation.

For instance as an example (at least out here in the midwest), there are health screenings conducted all the time for cholesterol panels, in which a doctor's order is not required.

Not pertaining specifically to lab tests, women can schedule their annual mammograms independent from an order from their physician.

[quote]
Posted By Sue on 11 Jul 2012 04:59 PM
I thought doctor orders were required by law (FDA) for licensed labs performing blood testing, not just by certain states in the eastern US. Again, maybe Tech can fill us in.
[/quote]



Sue you are correct.


Here at Zone labs you receive a complimentary test when you purchase 6 bottles of OmegaRX. (currently only US residents)

The test kit arrives and your doctor does have to sign off on the documentation that comes with the test. As it was explained to me the doctors involvement is like a prescription. I would hope most primary doctor's would do this for a patient at no cost. Maybe a great idea is to bring it during your annual physical.

This test is very specific and looks at your AA/EPA levels.

The information that Tech posted is specific to the test that is offered on this site.

However, the ones that are done in these freestanding labs that I mentioned previously do not require the PATIENT'S PERSONAL PHYSICIAN to sign off (I think I made this clear in my previous post--a medical director is likely available to sign off on the test).

Theoretically, it is hopeful that a PCP would be happy to order an EPA/AA test, but in reality, most docs have never heard of it, and do not see the value in it. And, many patients are just not prepared to give out the explanations, even if they bring in literature to support it, docs don't have time to read it.

I'm a Canadian ... there's no way for me to get that free test at all?

Sarah/Alexy

Here's a tip to everyone considering getting their AA/EPA tested. Buyer beware. Not all AA/EPA testing is performed the same way, and it makes a difference in the result. Something about testing live blood, or maybe it's whole blood (I can't remember exactly), vs other types of AA/EPA blood testing.

oh ccrap. I forgot for a minute here that I can't get the test.

is there no way for me to get the test?

i'll email the international sales peson ...

sarah/alexy

Alexy

Google " aa/epa test in canada " I know there are test companies that do it in several countries.

Someone on the Forums mentoined other labs and cost and this and that... The AA/EPA test is very specific... so whomever you talk too make sure they are clear on what test you wish to have performed.

Alexy, in the past I had it done by NutraSource Diagnostics, which is in Canada. It's included in the list of testing sites tat is published in the Zone books. This facility does the type of AA/EPA you are looking for.

Awesome.

Can, like, ZoneLab provide access to that particular testing as part of its free test offer? Tech support?

Sarah/Alexy

Sarah..

Sorry we can not.. Can you imagine the ton and a half of regulations and hoops to jump through transferring blood samples over boarders.

I understand!

darn it ...

Sarah/Alexy

Can anyone advise how to find out levels of silent inflammation if you are NOT in North America.
For example the UK or elsewhere in the EU?

If nobody on this forum knows, then I guess there is no hope for this.
A real shame, I'd like to quantify the improvements I achieve by the major changes I have made to my eating habits to this plan, not to mention investment in Omega III oil in the enormous quantities that I am taking.
I'd like to know where I stand!

My best advice is to do some internet surfing for an entity that does testing in your area. Perhaps tech support could research this and respond???

Yes, explore the possibilities. Never say never! :)

You were right, Something called the Silent Information Profile is available in the UK as a home test kit at the cost of £10
http://thenaturaldoctor.org/natural...ofile.html
I'll move there in August, so I'll do the test then...

Does this sound like the real deal?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Types of Scores

Basically, there are three kinds of SIP scores you might see after taking the test:

Low AA – This kind of score is virtually impossible, since our diets are so high in omega-6s.
High AA – This is a much more likely score.
Low EPA – This score indicates an omega-3 deficiency!

It is difficult to know if your omega ratio is good or bad without taking the SIP test which is a blood test which will measure the ratio of AA to EPA in your body. This ratio can indicate high levels of silent inflammation and serve as a guideline for exactly how much omega-3 you need to incorporate into your daily diet. If your AA/EPA ratio is out of balance in favour of silent inflammation it is equivalent to having more “rust in your system”. This equates to greater wear and tear and faster ageing. You can avoid this by increasing the amounts of omega-3s in your diet, and decreasing the amounts of omega-6s.
---------------------------------------------------------------


A company called http://yourfuturehealth.com/services_aaepa.htm offers a better test, but only in the USA.
However, according to their website, they work with people visiting the USA temporarily - I do not have any plans for going to the US, but just for the benefit of anyone else reading this.

Question:

Do you live outside the United States but want to test with YFH?
Answer:
YFH will work with you on your next trip to the United States. Call YFH at 352-253-2414 to learn how YFH provides the doctor's order, the protocols, and the follow up to do your test at your hotel or wherever you are staying while in the U.S.. The results will be sent to you by email. Attending our free group telephone conference calls will help you understand your test scores and what action you should take.

Your Future Health has been mentioned in Zone books. The London dr.'s test sounds like it could be the same thing, but at the same time is sounds too inexpensive. Plus, you would want the result to show the actual numbers (AA/EPA), not simply be expressed as being in one of those three categories. Try calling Zone Labs for more info.